Tennessee's School Board Shake-Up: The Legal Roadmap to Removing Board Members
Local & National News | December 18, 2024
It's important to note that these processes ensure due process and significant public or board support before removing an elected official, maintaining the integrity of the democratic system while allowing for accountability.

In light of the recent turmoil in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, it's worth examining Tennessee's laws regarding the removal of school board members. The process is detailed and requires significant public support.

Voter-Initiated Removal

Tennessee law allows for the removal of elected or appointed local board of education members by registered voters. Here's how it works:

  1. A petition must be filed with the county election commission by a resident of the board member's district.
  2. The petition needs signatures from at least 66% of the total votes cast for that member in the last regular election.
  3. A general statement of grounds for removal must be included in the petition.
  4. If deemed sufficient, the election commission must publish notice of the petition in a local newspaper.
  5. A recall election is then held, where voters choose "for recall" or "against recall."
  6. If 66% or more vote "for recall," the board member is removed, and the position is declared vacant.

Restrictions and Exceptions

Board-Initiated Removal

While the law doesn't specifically address school board self-removal, it does provide guidelines for nonprofit corporations, which may be applicable:

It's important to note that these processes ensure due process and significant public or board support before removing an elected official, maintaining the integrity of the democratic system while allowing for accountability.

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