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Article by Olivia Lupia, Tennessee Conservative News –
A month after Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) underwent an audit which revealed massive amounts of waste, fraud, and abuse, Tennessee lawmakers are now weighing a similar audit of Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) as the district has not had such an exhaustive review in roughly a decade.
The Memphis audit revealed more than $119 million in questionable costs, with Comptroller Jason Mumpower saying the contents of the investigation were “ludicrous and not defensible in any way.”
“The failures identified in these reports are unacceptable,” read a statement from Mumpower about the results. “This review documents years of poor management, weak internal controls, inadequate oversight, and a culture where policies were too often ignored instead of followed. Public education depends on public trust, and that trust has been damaged.”
As a result, MSCS is now facing a state takeover, and Nashville could be next.
“People have been saying for years, ‘There’s something wrong.’ It’s not reaching the classroom, it’s not helping the teachers, it’s not helping kids,” said Professional Educators of Tennessee CEO JC Bowman said. “To my knowledge they haven’t done a real exhaustive audit of MNPS since like 2015- 2016.”
In a statement to local news, House Speaker Cameron Sexton simply said the matter “is being discussed”, though the Comptroller’s Office said they have not been approached about performing an audit of MNPS. But the office did say that if such a project were to be undertaken, it would likely require a similar process through the General Assembly as Memphis-Shelby County Schools experienced.
“What they’ve done in Memphis is take over the school system,” Bowman said. “So I think that’s where they’re going to look at: Will they take over the school system?”
He also reiterated that an audit isn’t necessarily an indication of wrongdoing but is instead an accountability tool. “They’re just saying, look, good public trust depends upon being accountable and demonstrating that you’re doing what you’re saying you’re going to do,” Bowman said. “And if there is a catch, let’s figure out how we can fix it.”
As the General Assembly will not reconvene until early 2027 any official legislation on the issue will not be discussed until then, though it appears leadership may already be making plans.
Sources:
https://tennesseeconservativenews.com/memphis-schools-takeover-blocked-by-judge-in-temporary-order/
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Everything ran by lucifer’s accursed dimmercraps needs audited.