MEMPHIS, Tenn. — This is shaping up to be the most crucial week of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ political career. It’s the week that will all but certainly decide the long term fate of three public schools in Germantown that carry the municipality’s name.
Harris is getting most of the credit – and the blame – for a plan that calls for Memphis-Shelby County Schools to relinquish control of Germantown Elementary, Middle and High schools in exchange for getting a new high school built in Cordova.
Monday night, the Germantown board of aldermen unanimously approved the agreement that eventually will transfer the elementary and middle schools to the municipal district. The Germantown high school property is expected to be sold. But Monday night’s vote was just the first step. The all-important vote is planned for Wednesday before the Shelby County Commission. Followed the next day by votes from both the MSCS board and the Germantown School board.
But county commission members have been the most vocal critics of the proposal. So Wednesday’s vote will be a critical test of Mayor Harris’ leadership. If commissioners vote no, it will be back to square one – which is not good since all parties are facing a state imposed January 1st deadline – to work out a deal to transfer the schools.
It’s why I say this is a make or break week for Harris’ power of persuasion.