Protect Public Education: Stop the State Takeover!
TN Legislators
Our schools deserve real solutions, not more failed experiments.
Your legislators need to hear from YOU! The bill allowing the state to take over local school districts (HB0662/SB0714) is moving very quickly through the General Assembly. We don't have a second to waste--email your representatives and senators today and urge them to vote NO!
If passed, this bill will put any Tennessee school district that fits the criteria at risk of losing local control. The criteria listed puts more than 40 districts in danger of having their elected school board replaced by a state-appointed board, removing local oversight and community input. From TN's failed Achievement School District (ASD) to Texas' takeover of Houston, we've already seen takeovers like this create more disruption and instability rather than real solutions, and our students (and taxpayers) pay the price.
The time is now to stand up for our children's futures and demand our lawmakers vote NO on HB0662/SB0714.
Save our Students (SOS) is a local coalition of Memphis’ business, education, nonprofit, and faith leaders standing together against state intrusion, while advocating for additional resources and local solutions. SOS’ mission is to strengthen our schools and support our students through increased community oversight in local governance.
Sponsored by
To:
TN Legislators
From:
[Your Name]
Dear [Representative or Senator],
I urge you to VOTE NO on the “Tennessee Public School Accountability Act” (HB0662 / SB0714). If passed, this legislation would grant the state new authority over local school districts, allowing a state-appointed advisory board to override decisions at the local level, including converting schools to charters without local consent.
This bill has widespread implications across the state of Tennessee–more than 40 districts currently meet the criteria outlined in the bill. That number could shift each year, creating ongoing uncertainty about whether local boards retain control and accountability. Under this model, there is no appeal process once the advisory board makes a decision, effectively removing power from locally elected officials.
Our students need real solutions, not more failed experiments. Tennessee’s own state-run Achievement School District (ASD) left students with worse test scores and higher teacher turnover—costing taxpayers over $1 billion—and even state lawmakers (both Democrats and Republicans) have admitted the ASD failed. The current bill is modeled after Texas’ takeover of Houston, which so far has only created more instability with the mass firing of veteran teachers, loosening teacher requirements, and higher community backlash…without clear academic benefits.
Targeted investments—like extended learning time, teacher development, literacy coaching, high school success initiatives, and wraparound student support—deliver better outcomes than state takeovers, especially when tied to transparent goals and monitoring. These methods keep resources in the classroom and hold the district responsible for measurable improvements. By adopting collaborative, community-driven plans in districts across the state, we can reach stronger accountability with local voices at the table—exactly what our students need to thrive.
Please stand with our students and vote NO on HB0662/SB0714. Our futures depend on it.
Sincerely,