School board members with Memphis-Shelby County Schools sent a letter to parents Wednesday to assure them that the turbulent search for a new school superintendent is making “significant progress.”
Tuesday night the board approved new minimum requirements for candidates that no longer include in-classroom experience. The board is now asking that all candidates meet the following criteria:
- Possess experience in teaching and school administration or work experience totaling at least 10 years.
- Have an advanced degree with a concentration related to educational administration, business, finance, leadership, public administration, or policy.
- Possess or be eligible for a license of qualification for a superintendent in the state of Tennessee.
The board is also asking its search firm to assess potential candidates for a proven track record of success, a background in community advocacy and courageous decision making, evidence of political savvy, the ability to attract, retain and build team capacity, evidence of a strong academic vision, a history of dynamic and adaptive leadership, the ability to demonstrate change management, evidence of strategic leadership in budget and finance, a sound grasp of governance and board leadership, and the ability to positively impact culture and climate.
“The process of selecting the next superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools is a tremendous opportunity for our District, the Board, and the entire Mid-South community. As Board members, we understand the significance of the task before us, and we are working to ensure that we hire the best candidate and get this right. That daunting process has contributed to valid frustrations. Please know that we remain committed to moving forward with transparency, fairness, and a thorough evaluation of all candidates, whether local or national applicants,” said board members in the letter.
The letter was signed by every member of the board except Vice Chair Sheleah Harris who announced she’s stepping down from her elected position Tuesday night. Harris was the lone member of the board who objected to the changes in minimum candidate qualifications.
The vice chair’s replacement will be appointed by the Shelby County Commission at a future date.
The district has been searching for a new superintendent since former superintendent Joris Ray resigned last July following accusations of abuse of power and violations of district policy.
The search has faced allegations of a lack of transparency and some board members themselves were not pleased with the finalists chosen by a search firm.
In the letter to parents, board members extended an option for the existing candidates, including interim superintendent Toni Williams, to remain in consideration.
“Each candidate will be assessed against Board-established qualifications and the community will have an opportunity to engage with the finalists, ensuring that our next Superintendent possesses the necessary skills, vision, and heart to guide our schools to new heights,” said board members.
Initially the board set a goal of naming a new superintendent by spring, but members have since claimed they may not have a new leader in place by the start of the 2023/2024 school year.
