Local Faith Leaders in Favor of School Merger

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Another Memphis ministerial group is sounding off in support of voting "yes" for the March 8th referendum on the possible merger of Memphis and Shelby County school systems.

Nearly 20 clergy members turned out today at an event organized by the group Citizens for Better Education. They'll do their sermonizing at their pulpits on Sunday.

Some Memphis clergy decided to use their powers of persuasion to jump into the political arena by endorsing a potential merger of city and county schools.

The Bible speaks of God's love for all children. It doesn't say anything about him playing favorites. So, the question becomes why would men who profess to be faith-based disciples square off against each other over what's best for Memphis City and Shelby County School children?

The latest chapter in a dubious "Holy War" being waged by dozens of local area reverends and pastors over the issue of a potential city and county school merger was escalated with the appearance of another ministerial group coming out in support of passage of the city-wide March 8th transfer referendum.

The event was sponsored by the pro transfer organization Citizens for Better Education.

“If we do not vote, if we miss this revolutionary opportunity to push our city forward, will continue to chase progressive cities, miss economic development and have kids who are still graduating at a fifty percent rate,” said Stacy Spencer, a local religious leader.

19 clergy members, including noted pastor and former Memphis City Council member James Netters publically voiced their support for in favor of passage while at the same time appealing to voters to not be afraid of "fear mongering" from those who oppose it.

It was in sharp contrast to a meeting earlier this week in which some members of the Baptist Ministerial Association vehemently rebuked the Memphis City School Board's decision to surrender the system's charter.

“If all nine board members of MCS would have been standing up then we wouldn't be here having this conversation,” said Dwight Montgomery, SCLS executive director.

With political proponents of the measure Martavious Jones and Memphis State representative G.A. Hardaway in attendance, Netters was among those who used the occasion on Friday to praise the work of what could be the outgoing city school system and the quality of education it's provided.

“We have some fine city schools. Parents would not camp out all night long to enroll their children in inferior schools. Don't let anybody fool you. The county has used this tactics for the last 40 years,” said Netters. “It's time to change. It's time to change. It's time for this city to grow.”