Story updated on January 16, 2024

*Due to inclement weather, the Superintendent Search candidate interviews originally scheduled for January 18 and 19, have been rescheduled to February 1 and 2. See details below with updated dates reflected. 

Public is Invited to Attend Meet & Greet, Watch Finalist Interviews 

Memphis, TN - The search for the next superintendent of Tennessee’s largest public school district has entered an exciting new phase. Over two days, the MSCS Board of Education will host community engagement activities and interview the three candidates selected as finalists for superintendent.  

• Yolonda C. Brown, Chief Academic Officer, Atlanta Public Schools  
• Dr. Marie Feagins - Chief of High Schools and Leadership Development, Detroit Public Schools Community District  
• Dr. Cheryl Proctor, Deputy Superintendent, Instruction & School Communities, Portland Public Schools 

On Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, the Board will host a full day of community engagement to provide the candidates a greater understanding of the Memphis community, highlighting its strengths and some areas for improvement.  

On Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, the candidates will interview with the Board and have additional opportunities for community engagement.  

As detailed below, MSCS stakeholders will have multiple opportunities to meet and engage with the candidates over the two days, including the opportunity to attend and observe the candidate interviews, which will also be live streamed on the District's platforms. All events will be held at the Teaching and Learning Academy (TLA), 2485 Union Avenue. 

“We look forward to hosting our three finalists next week,” said Board Member Joyce Dorse-Coleman, co-chair of the Superintendent Search Committee. “We are making one of the most important decisions we can make for the future of our students and our city. It is critical that the candidates have a clear picture of our District and the community we serve.” 

The schedule for the two days is as follows: 

Thursday, February 1, 2024 

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Superintendent candidate breakfast, city tour, lunch

Pre-registered Community Participation Begins

1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. - Location: Teaching and Learning Academy- 2485 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38112

Community meetings with the candidates, in 30-minute segments 

Public Meet & Greet Event

6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. - Location: Teaching and Learning Academy- 2485 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38112

Community-wide open house/meet and greet reception 

Friday, February 2, 2024 

School Board Interviews - (Board interviews will be live streamed.)

Location: Teaching and Learning Academy- 2485 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38112

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 

Board interview Candidate 1; community meetings with the other two candidates in 30-minute segments 

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

Board interview Candidate 2; community meetings with the other two candidates in 30-minute segments 

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Board interview Candidate 3; community meetings with the other two candidates in 30-minute segments 

“Transparency has been at the heart of this search for the District’s next great leader,” said Board Member Stephanie Love, co-chair of the Superintendent Search Committee. “We continue to welcome public engagement and encourage all interested stakeholders to stream the interviews or attend in person.” 

The Board is seeking a change-maker with a strong vision who can build upon the District's recent successes. MSCS has witnessed progress in graduation rates and TCAP scores, while also 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 seeks 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. 

“We have incorporated community voice in every step of the process this year,” said Board Chair Rev. Dr. Althea Greene. "We are thrilled by the community's investment thus far and hope that many will make the time to engage with our candidates, including attending or watching the interviews online, as we hear from three strong leaders vying to make a positive impact on our children.” 

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