In this space I have brought you much information about Germantown , our region and the State of Tennessee . Today , I bring you information about
    recently passed legislation from the Tennessee General Assembly regarding our Germantown heritage schools , often referred to as the 3Gs .
   You’ve most likely been following this unsustainable education model over the last two years as we worked toward a mutually beneficial solution with the Memphis - Shelby County School ( MSCS ) District . With adoption of this legislation , there exists a prescribed path to resolution of this matter .
   I want to be crystal clear with our residents and leaders of MSCS:
   From day one , our desire and goals were to not disturb , change or interfere with the successful conclusion of the educational journey of our GMSD families/faculty or the families/faculty of MSCS . As such , we have proposed and continue to advocate for a 13 - to 15 - year transition plan to allow all families to “grade out” and conclude academic careers in what amounts to the status quo .
   Your City has a solid reputation and is known for long - term , strategic planning . We will need additional land for school campuses in the southwest portion of our City in the next 15 to 20 years . We will work with MSCS toward building the framework for a mutually agreed upon transition plan .
   Earlier in this post , I used the term “educational journey . ” This matter has been quite a journey for more than 10 years , with many attempts to resolve it . Rest assured , we are resolute and determined to find an agreeable solution that protects all students , teachers , staff and families in two school districts .
   It’s natural for you to have many questions about the ever - changing landscape of this issue . Here are the answers to many Frequently Asked Questions:
   
   
   What’s an LEA?
    Also known as a school district , LEA stands for Local Education Agency and refers to any local public school system or school district created or authorized by the general assembly .
   
   
   
   Who determines how and where LEAs can operate?
    The Tennessee General Assembly authorizes LEAs . Although Public Charter 1 enabled the creation of a municipal school district for certain municipalities in general , it did not address whether a pre - existing county school system could continue to operate within the jurisdictional boundaries of a newly created municipal school system .  In September 2017 , the Attorney General opined ( Nos . 17 - 40 and 17 - 41 ) that “an LEA has no inherent power and is not expressly or impliedly authorized by statute to open and operate a public school within the jurisdictional boundaries of another LEA . ” Also at play here is the Dillon Rule which is the principle that local government only exercises ( 1 ) powers expressly granted by the state , ( 2 ) powers necessarily and fairly implied from the grant of power and ( 3 ) powers crucial to the existence of local government .
   
   
   
   Why is the State of Tennessee involved?
    After 13 moderated meetings between MSCS and City of Germantown officials resulted in a stalemate , legislation was brought forward by Rep . Mark White and Sen . Brian Kelsey to help resolve the dispute over the operation of the 3G schools .  
   
   
   
   Why now?
    This action was taken to ensure that over the long term , the City of Germantown and GMSD have access to all schools within the municipal limits . Resolving the issue now allows extended time for transition to avoid disrupting the lives of current students , teachers and families .  
   
   
   
   Why not allow the status quo?
    Why is this important to Germantown? The current situation is not sustainable and doesn’t benefit either system . Germantown values neighborhood schools and with up to 1 , 000 single - family homes expected to be built in the City over the next 15 years , the 3G schools provide an opportunity to acquire facilities and land , which is in short supply as Germantown approaches full build out . With the exception of Forest Hill Elementary , there are currently no GMSD schools south of Poplar . The southwest quadrant of our City is completely without a neighborhood school . Germantown parents want local control of neighborhood schools where they can be involved in their children’s education . Further , the MSCS Reimagining 901 long - term strategic plan places value on right - sizing schools with a focus on keeping kids in schools near their neighborhoods . Reports show that there are enough seats available in nearby MSCS schools to accommodate the students currently enrolled at the Germantown legacy schools .
   
   
   
   Will these changes impact current GMSD attendance zones?
    No . The plan is to reach an agreement with MSCS to allow students currently enrolled in Germantown Elementary , Middle and High Schools to continue at those schools until they age out . While attendance zones may be impacted in the future , it will likely be more than 13 years .  
   
   
   
   Will GMSD operate these schools?
    The objectives are to have a long - term transition plan that allows MSCS to operate the schools for up to 15 years , maintaining the status quo to provide consistency for students and their families .  
   
   
   
   If the legislation becomes law , what are the next steps?
    Germantown and  MSCS have until January 1 , 2023 , to voluntarily enter into an agreement . After July 1 , 2023 , MSCS wouldn’t be able to operate in Germantown without an agreement , and the title to the buildings and land would transfer to the City of Germantown . At that point , Germantown would be required to pay for the land based on two independent appraisals beginning with 25% of the amount owed to be paid on the date of the transfer of the property to Germantown . The balance would be paid in eight annual installments .  
   
   
   
   What will happen to these properties?
    To provide stability for students , families and teachers , the plan is to allow MSCS to continue to operate the 3G schools for up to 15 years .  
   
   
   
   Who will maintain the campuses?
    The county LEA is responsible for maintaining all improvements to the land for the term of the agreement , unless the parties in the agreement establish otherwise . After the properties transfer to the City , Germantown would be responsible .
   
   
   
   Will GMSD be part of the ongoing process?
    Yes , GMSD leadership has been informed each step of the way and will be an even greater partner , as outlined in the legislation .
   
   
   
   Can Germantown afford the cost associated with concluding the 3G issue?
    Yes . Your City has been an outstanding steward of your tax dollars and over the last two budget cycles , the City budget has accumulated a surplus due to conservative budget planning and strong sales tax revenues . The City is prepared to make this investment .
   
   
   
   Will a financial settlement with MSCS impact funding for GMSD?
    No . The City will continue to fund the school district at a level that exceeds the amount required by the state . The City is also committed to assisting with the capital needs of the district .  
   
   As always , it’s my honor to serve as your mayor . Please
   email
    or call me with any additional questions or concerns you may have .  
   Mayor Mike
   
   

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