The search for the next superintendent of Tennessee’s largest public school district has entered an exciting new phase. On Dec. 15, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board Members will interview five semi-finalists at the Teaching and Learning Academy, 2485 Union Ave., from 10:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and observe these interviews, which are live-streamed on the District's platforms.

Earlier this morning, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), a national search firm, presented five semi-finalists and announced their names and application materials to the public and the Board.

The five semi-finalists are:

• Yolonda Brown, Chief Academic Officer, Atlanta Public Schools 
• Dr. Cheryl Proctor, Deputy Superintendent, Instruction & School Communities, Portland Public Schools 
• Dr. Marie Feagins - Chief of High Schools and Leadership Development, Detroit Public Schools Community District 
• Dr. Carlton Jenkins, former Superintendent of Madison Metropolitan School District 
• Dr. Angela Whitelaw, Deputy Superintendent of Schools & Academic Support, Memphis-Shelby County Schools 

The day will proceed as follows: 

*Schedule is subject to change. Please tune into the livestream for updates. 

(60 minutes) with a 10-minute rating and a 5-minute transition

8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: HYA presents names of semi-finalists and Board preps for the interviews.

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.: Yolonda Brown Interview 

11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Dr. Cheryl Proctor Interview

1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.: Lunch break

1:45 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Dr. Marie Feagins Interview

3 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.: Dr. Carlton Jenkins Interview

4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Break

4:30 p.m.– 5:45 p.m.: Dr. Angela Whitelaw Interview

Following each interview, Board members will rate the candidates based on their responses. The interview tallies will be presented to the Board. On Dec. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Board will convene to determine the three finalists who will advance to the next stage, including community events in January.

The Board seeks a changemaker with a strong vision who can build upon the District's recent successes. MSCS has witnessed progress in graduation rates and TCAP scores while undertaking a comprehensive budget and infrastructure review. As the second-largest employer in Shelby County, with 110,000 students and 14,000 employees, the District is searching for a leader who can effectively guide its continued growth.

Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the search process this school year. The Board and staff have actively engaged and informed the public through flyers, website updates, community meetings, employee listening sessions, and even tailgate talks. This commitment to transparency extends to the interview stage, allowing the community to witness the announcement and interview process firsthand.  

For more info on the MSCS Superintendent Search, visit: https://www.scsk12.org/supsearch/.