MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins announced Monday she's appointing a longtime Memphis principal as the assistant superintendent of schools for the district.
Feagins appointed Dr. Janice Tankson, who most recently served as MSCS's instructional leadership director, was the principal of Levi Elementary and later Robert R. Church Elementary from 2008 to 2019. The district called her an exceptional academic leader during the announcement.
"Dr. Tankson has a proven track record of strengthening outcomes for schools," said Feagins. "With her deep understanding of educational leadership across elementary, middle, and high schools, she is uniquely prepared to drive positive change in our district.”
MSCS said Tankson will oversee the Office of Teaching and Learning, special programs for family engagement, advanced academics and early childhood learning.
"She will be pivotal in maximizing the academic performance of students, educational leaders, and the operational efficiency of campuses," the district said in a press release.
The appointment comes three weeks after the Tennessee Department of Education released their TCAP testing results, with 26.6% of MSCS third graders and 28.5% of MSCS fourth graders meeting or exceeding reading proficiency - an increase over 2023 marks but lagging behind national averages.
The district said Tankson's 25-year academic career has been focused on boosting student achievement and improving school effectiveness.
A native of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Tankson earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in biology and general sciences from Mississippi State University. She continued her education at the University of Memphis, where she received a Master of Science Degree in administration and supervision (K-12), and a Doctorate of Education in leadership and policy studies with a concentration in executive leadership.