Dr. Marie N. Feagins, Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), gathered the co-chairs of her transition team to participate in a retreat led by the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS), a coalition dedicated to the improvement of education for children in the nation's largest public school districts.
Presenters and moderators included Dr. Michael Hinojosa, former Dallas ISD Superintendent and current Superintendent-in-Residence for CGCS; Dr. Adrienne Battle, Superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools; Dr. Ray Hart, Executive Director of CGCS; Dr. Sharon Contreras, former Superintendent of Guilford County Schools and current CEO of The Innovation Project; Dr. Carol Johnson-Dean, former Superintendent of Memphis City Schools; and Dr. Barbara Jenkins, former Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS).
"These great leaders have so much knowledge and wisdom to share," said Dr. Feagins. "They have been in the trenches. They know the work, and the fact that they traveled here to support Memphis-Shelby County Schools and me means we are off to a very good start."
Dr. Contreras, lending her support and expertise, added, "With the invaluable support and insights learned today, Dr. Feagins will be catapulted to new heights, providing students and families with the exceptional education they deserve while avoiding common pitfalls faced by new superintendents."
Transition team members were selected based on their ability to provide support, insight, and expertise in five key areas:
- Student Achievement
- Business Operations
- Strategic Communications & Partnerships
- Next-Level Readiness
- Inclusive Excellence
This orientation focused on academic performance, best practices from former leaders, a historical framework of education in Tennessee, and identifying key priorities that will inform next steps.
“I believe this retreat has been one of the most impactful experiences I've been a part of, said JB Smiley, Jr. Memphis City Council Chairman and Transition Team Co-Chair. ”It not only establishes a baseline for understanding the current state of the district but also illuminates the path forward as we aim to strengthen the district our students deserve."
- JB Smiley, Jr. Memphis City Council Chairman
In the days and weeks to come, Dr. Feagins will also convene and set goals for the student arm of her transition team, the Legacy Builders.