Overview
- The commission adopted language from a recent state law that defaults the alignment to the next election cycle, putting all nine school board seats on the 2026 ballot.
- Five members elected in 2024 will have four-year terms cut short, including four who voted to fire former Superintendent Marie Feagins earlier this year.
- County legal staff cautioned the move could face court challenges, and the Tennessee attorney general has not issued a constitutional opinion.
- A separate recall-by-referendum proposal received unanimous initial approval but would require action by state lawmakers to change the county charter.
- Supporters, led by sponsor Michael Whaley, urged rapid candidate recruitment, with commissioners pointing to roughly seven months to prepare for 2026.