Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ Board members held a second retreat Thursday, June 1, to continue discussing the Superintendent Search. This retreat aimed to align the need for a shared vision of what MSCS needs in its next superintendent and determine clear next steps, including defining a timeline. Tomeka Hart Wigginton continued her role as facilitator.
Board members outlined qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the next superintendent as they discussed issues facing the school system in the coming years.
In the next four years, the top issues board members believe the District will face include budget and finance, academics, facilities, teachers and staffing.
Board members expressed a need for a superintendent that displays the following characteristics: a community advocate with strong fiscal knowledge, a consistent collaborator, and a visionary that uses strategic thinking to drive positive outcomes for students.
The input shared by individual Board members was pulled together to create a list of superintendent candidate expectations as a collective body.
During this retreat, the Board acknowledged that the timeline for selecting a new superintendent would need adjustment – recognizing that the permanent role would not be filled by the start of the 2023-24 school year.
Next Steps
The Board plans to hold a working session/retreat on June 9 to hone in on the decisions that must be made to progress the Superintendent Search. Decision topics mentioned include:
- Determining the next steps regarding the search firm
- Presenting Board-established qualifications
- Reviewing the Interim Superintendent’s current contract as it relates to pending adjustments to the Superintendent Search timeline
Several decisions are expected to be made with the intent to vote on agenda items on June 13 and June 20.
Related Links
Hopes for Board Retreat on Superintendent Search
The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board Will Announce a Series of Meetings to Possibly Revise & Expand the Search
Board Retreat #2 - June 1, 2023