MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) announced three finalists for their permanent superintendent position.
“For the last year and four months, Memphis Shelby County schools have been searching for a leader," educator Lori Streeter said.
Memphis Shelby County Schools released its list of semifinalists on Friday. Today, the school district voted to approve its top three candidates during Tuesday's board meeting.
Dr. Marie Feagins, chief of high schools in Detroit, Dr. Yolanda Brown, head of academics for Atlanta Public School, and Dr. Cheryl Proctor, a deputy superintendent with Portland Public Schools, were selected out of five candidates. Dr. Carlton Jenkins and current MSCS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Angela Whitelaw were eliminated from candidacy.
MSCS grandmother Susanne Jackson was optimistic about the process so far.
“When I heard the three finalists that have been selected, I felt like they were a breath of fresh air," Jackson said. "They were bringing in new ideas, new experiences.”
The school district has been without a permanent leader for 16 months. The board hopes to announce their new superintendent in Feb. 2024.
“I am a child of MSCS," Ron Davis, a long-time MSCS student, said. “I realized how detrimental it probably could have been for my upbringing having a change in leadership every so often. So, I’m really invested in us having a committed leader who can stay for the long term and really change this city.”