MEMPHIS, Tenn — The final three candidates for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent position faced interviews Friday.
The two-day event kicked off Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, when the superintendent hopefuls got a chance to see the city they could call home and meet MSCS parents. Friday, they faced the MSCS board for individual interviews.
First up was Yolanda Brown, the Head of Academics for Atlanta Public Schools. Brown also served as the Associate Superintendent in the district from 2016-20, where she helped improve ELA and math scores on state tests.
Brown told the board she's dedicated her career to urban education, particularly in large urban districts similar to MSCS.
"I am fiercely committed to the work of urban education and moving Black and Brown children so that every one of them graduates,” said Brown. “I am senior leader and a lifelong educator that has been committed to urban education my entire career, and I am the educator that has been fighting on behalf of kids in another large urban district that looks very similar to Memphis-Shelby County Schools."
The second candidate to be interviewed was Dr. Marie Feagins, who currently serves as the Chief of Leadership in Detroit. During her time in the district, Feagins helped improve graduation rates at a majority of the schools with initiatives and academic monitoring tools.
Feagins told the board that Memphis needs more mentors and resources to create a more dynamic district.
“The future of our country hinges on the success of public education and public schools. The future of our city depends on Memphis-Shelby County schools having the right leader at the helm,” said Dr. Feagins. “I believe that Memphis needs more. It needs more mentors and partners coming together and bridging our resources to create a dynamic district that means more to everyone.”
The final candidate to speak was Dr. Cheryl Proctor, the Deputy Superintendent at Portland Public Schools. Proctor has helped improve reading and math scores in the district and has also served as the Assistant Superintendent at the School District of Philadelphia.
Proctor said she is intrigued by Memphis, a Black community that is Black-led.
“This city is rich in history and culture, and I want to be a part of that, but most importantly I also want to bring the transformation for Memphis-Shelby County Schools,” said Dr. Proctor. “I will bring my experiences. I will bring my strategic and systems thinking. I will bring my passion and desire."
The more than a year long search is nearing its conclusion, following the resignation of the previous superintendent back in August 2022. The three finalists for the position were decided this past December.
According to the MSCS website, a decision on who will become the next superintendent is expected by the end of February. The new superintendent will begin their new role by the start of July.