Click Here to learn more about Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Finalist Interview Sessions
Friday, April 21 - 22
Kingsbury High School, Community Meeting
Board of Education, Student Input Session with Student Congress
Letter from the MSCS Board Chair:
Dear Memphis-Shelby County School teachers, staff, students, families, and community members,
My board colleagues and I are excited to officially launch the MSCS Super Search! The MSCS Superintendent Search will recruit the best candidates across the country and from our local community.
Our next superintendent will join the district with a wealth of incredible opportunities in front of them. They will be in charge of the largest school district in Tennessee with 110,500 students and 13,900 teachers and staff members. Although they have a great responsibility to the 124,000 students, teachers, and staff members, they also will be an important leader in Memphis and Shelby County overall. Because of this, we’re asking for your help and feedback.
This website includes key information regarding the search, including timelines, policies, processes, and procedures, and more about the roles and responsibilities of a superintendent.
We’re looking forward to taking MSCS into this new chapter and thank you for your support.
MSCS Board Chair
Rev. Althea Greene
Click here for more information about the
MSCS School Board and district.
Advisory Search Committee Members
| ORGANIZATION | MEMBER |
| MSCS Board Chair | Althea Greene |
| MSCS Board Member | Kevin Woods |
| MSCS Teacher | Mary Walton |
| Former CEO of Bridges | Jim Boyd |
| Memphis Lift | Sarah Carpenter |
| Literacy Mid-South | Sam O’Bryant |
| Whitehaven Empowerment Zone | Beverly Davis |
| MICAH | Gisela Guerrero |
| Memphis Education Fund | Venita Doggett |
| New Olivet Baptist Church | Rev. KT Whalum Jr. |
| Stand for Children | Paul Garner |
| Shelby County Citizen/Grandmother | Mattie Gillium |
| South Memphis CDC | Rebecca Hutchinson |
| CBU Faculty/Parent | Dr. Lurene Kelly |
| Greater Memphis Chamber | Jessica Mosley |
| MSCS Student | Kalen Sy |
For the minutes from the most recent MSCS Advisory Board Committee meeting on February 24, click here.
About MSCS
MISSION OF MSCS
Preparing all students for success in learning, leadership, and life.
VISION OF MSCS
To be a premier school district attracting a diverse student population and effective teachers, leaders, and staff all committed to excellence.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools is Tennessee’s largest public school district and is among the 25 largest public school districts in the United States. Formerly comprising two smaller districts, Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools, MSCS serves over 110,500 students in more than 214 schools. We are the second largest employer in Shelby County with over 13,900 employees, including 6,000 teachers. Through our strategic academic plan, we are committed to working toward three goals: 80 percent of students are college or career ready, 90 percent of seniors graduate on time and 100 percent of graduates will enroll in a post-secondary opportunity. To reach these goals, MSCS has placed a strong emphasis in five high-leverage areas: early literacy, improvement of post-secondary readiness, developing strong teachers, leaders and support staff, expanding high quality school options and working closely with families and community partners to support our schools. MSCS partners with almost 3,900 volunteers and 1,100 total school adopters and community partners to help impact student achievement.
Click here for more information about Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
Superintendent Search Process
Superintendent Search Process
A lot goes into hiring a superintendent, especially for such a large district like Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Here’s a tentative plan of how we will streamline the process, engage the community, and ensure we find the right person:
- MSCS Board will outline the qualifications for a search firm
- A series of community engagement sessions will provide the board and the advisory committee the opportunity to hear from district residents and representatives about concerns and priorities
- Search firm is selected and we will begin our national search
- Based on stakeholder feedback, the search firm will define the superintendent qualifications, then recruit and interview with candidates
- The top candidates are selected and the next round of interviews are conducted
- Superintendent is selected
- An amazing start to the 2023-2024 school year!
Process & Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a superintendent?
A superintendent is a high-ranking official who oversees the leadership and management of a school district. The MSCS superintendent will be responsible for over 110,500 students and 13,900 teachers and staff.
What is the board’s policy when selecting the superintendent?
The policy of the Shelby County Board of Education when selecting a superintendent can be found here, search policy #1003.
Why a national search?
The community has emphatically voiced a preference for a national search. We want to get the top candidates in, so opening up the search to qualified individuals across the country will help ensure that we hire the best person for the job.
