MEMPHIS — Officials with Shelby County Schools have approved an agreement in a longstanding dispute that would have the city pay the district $43.3 million over 13 years.
The dispute dates to 2008, when the City Council withheld $57 million from the now-defunct Memphis City Schools. The parties entered mediation after a judge ordered the city to pay because the city has a counterclaim.
The Commercial Appeal reported that Memphis Mayor A C Wharton announced the agreement in writing to council members shortly before their meeting Tuesday, causing some tension.
Council member Shea Flinn said he doesn't think the offer is fair and mediation efforts should continue.
Wharton said the city charter gives him the authority to reach an agreement, but it would be up to the council to fund it.