Rep. White Calls MSCS Audit 'Troubling', Pushes for State Intervention

State lawmaker says six-month update revealed 'very eye-opening' problems in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, reinforcing his call for a state-appointed board of managers.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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State Rep. Mark White says a six-month update on the ongoing forensic audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools revealed 'very, very eye-opening' and 'troubling' problems, reinforcing his push for state intervention in the district. White discussed the audit update during a local TV appearance, saying the findings have convinced him the district cannot resolve its issues internally and will require 'outside intervention' in the form of a state-appointed board of managers.

Why it matters

The MSCS district is the largest in Tennessee, with a $2 billion budget and over 16,000 employees. White's call for state oversight comes amid concerns about the district's financial management and academic performance, with only 25% of graduating seniors deemed proficient in basic math and reading skills.

The details

According to White, the six-month audit update he and other lawmakers received last week from the Tennessee Comptroller's Office revealed problems spanning multiple areas of district operations, including 'accountability of records, things dealing with contracts, things dealing with just basic record keeping.' White said the issues were 'very eye-opening' and 'troubling,' convincing him that the district needs 'outside intervention' that cannot be resolved internally.

  • The forensic audit of MSCS officially began in August 2025.
  • Lawmakers received a six-month update on the audit last week.
  • White expects more details from the audit to be released in the next three weeks.

The players

Rep. Mark White

A Tennessee state representative who is sponsoring legislation to temporarily place MSCS under a state-appointed board of managers.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS)

The largest school district in Tennessee, with a $2 billion budget and over 16,000 employees.

Tennessee Comptroller's Office

The state agency conducting the forensic audit of MSCS.

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What they’re saying

“The forensic audit, as you know, officially began right about the first of last August. So we're six months into it. Last week, we did have a six month update, which was very, very eye opening and revealed a lot.”

— Rep. Mark White, State Representative (WREG)

“I was convinced that we are going to need the outside intervention, which the legislation I have, which is the board of managers. I do not see with some of the things they told us a lot of accountability of record keeping anything that can be fixed within the system. We need some outside intervention.”

— Rep. Mark White, State Representative (WREG)

“For a $2 billion corporation with what, 16,000 employees, yes, it's very eye-opening.”

— Rep. Mark White, State Representative (WREG)

What’s next

White says the information from the audit will provide justification to pass legislation creating a nine-member, state-appointed board of managers with full authority over MSCS for up to three years. He expects the details of the audit to be released in the next three weeks.

The takeaway

The concerning findings from the MSCS forensic audit have reinforced Rep. White's push for state intervention in the district, which he believes is necessary to address the 'troubling' issues uncovered and ensure all students in Memphis have access to quality education and opportunities.