Schools Lawyer Up

(Germantown, TN)   The Kelly family is like so many in Germantown, they’re pushing hard for the city to create its own school district. They want no part of the new Shelby County school district set to take shape next year.

“I think it would be less bureaucracy,” said parent Tom Kelly. “You have more like-minded people in each area.”

     A judge just agreed to hear a case made by Shelby County commissioners. They say if cities like Germantown create their own schools, the district wouldn’t be diverse.

“We obviously disagree whole heartedly and we will argue that” responded Germantown Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy.

   Parent Shana Smith says it’s not about race, but consistency.  She lives in the county, and her son attends Germantown Elementary.  She worries if the suburb creates its own district he may have to move.

“He’s used to all the people there, the teachers, everybody, I hope they keep it”, said Smith.

    It’s up to a judge to make the choice. In emergency meetings Friday afternoon both Germantown and Collierville hired attorneys so they could have a seat at the table and argue to the judge why they want their own districts and why it’s not unfair.

“Our lawyers felt like they really needed to get in file motions and participate as soon as possible,” said James Lewellen, Town Administrator, Collierville.