Memphis-Shelby County Schools elects new superintendent
by: David Royer, Shay Simon
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis-Shelby County School Board voted unanimously to elect Dr. Marie Feagins as the new MSCS superintendent Friday.
Feagins previously held the position of Chief of Leadership and High Schools for Detroit Public Schools Community District beginning in 2021.
She also served as Principal of Cleveland Metro Schools in Ohio from 2017 to 2020 and Assistant Principal and Building Safety Coordinator at Huntsville City Schools in Alabama from 2016 to 2017.
MSCS said in a press release that “During her visit, Feagins expressed not only her deep understanding of urban education successes and opportunities but also her enthusiasm for immersing herself in the vibrant culture of Memphis and Shelby County. This dedication to connecting with the community resonated deeply with those she met, solidifying her as a leader who can unite and uplift our schools and city.”
Feagins is scheduled to officially begin her tenure as superintendent after the 2023-2024 school year ends.
Feagins released a statement Friday evening.
“Memphis, it is an honor to be named your next Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. I am deeply grateful to the School Board, educators, and the community for placing their trust in me to lead our District forward. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to move us from good to phenomenal because that is what OUR city and county deserve. Together, we will defy the odds and become a national model of bold, transformational education.”
A 2/3 majority of the board — 6 votes — is needed to elect a superintendent.
The search for a superintendent lasted 17 months, which board member Michelle McKissack said was comparable to other school districts in Tennessee. “We’re on track, we’re on target and we’re moving forward,” she said.
The board considered three candidates. Here are the strengths and weaknesses they listed based on interviews and community feedback:
Yolonda Brown
- Strong academic background but concerns on ability to transition successes to Memphis district specifically.
Marie Feagins
- Brings passion and desires change but concerns on ability to operationalize vision based on experience.
Cheryl Proctor
- Strong academics and leadership experience, but question marks on whether track record will translate to Memphis, lacked details on strategic plan for district
Earlier Friday, two Shelby County commissioners said they support a candidate not currently on the short list — current interim Superintendent Tutonial Williams.
Commissioner Henri Brooks, who appeared at a press conference with Commissioner Mickell Lowery, said Williams is the best choice for the job, and said the three finalists now in the running have “issues.” She did not elaborate.
Chief Financial Officer Toni Williams has served as interim superintendent since August 2022, since previous superintendent Joris Ray resigned following allegations of misconduct.
She was eliminated from the pool of candidates for the permanent position last year.
There are three candidates left in the running for MSCS superintendent: Doctor Marie Feagins, Doctor Cheryl Proctor and Yolonda Brown are all experienced educators, but none have worked as a superintendent before.
The school board has called a special meeting to review the candidates one last time, and then make a decision.
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