Toni Williams spent part of her last school board meeting as the leader of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) looking back at everything she’s accomplished since her first meeting.
Board members appointed Williams as interim superintendent in 2022 following the resignation of former superintendent Joris Ray. New superintendent Dr. Marie N. Feagins will officially take over the position on April 1.
“As I stand, or as I sit rather, before you today, on the brink of transitioning from the role of interim superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection. Throughout my tenure, I have been privileged to witness this incredible community’s remarkable resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit,” said Williams.
Originally the district’s chief financial officer (CFO), Williams inherited a $58 million deficit to tackle when she took over along with other challenges.
During her tenure, Memphis-Shelby County Schools made historic investments in school safety, approved new policies for grievances, bereavement leave, and insurance contributions, and consistently received clean audits, passing five federal reviews without negative findings. The district also resolved longstanding issues with the Germantown Elementary, Middle, and High schools – known collectively as the “Three G’s” – and Lucy Elementary School.
Williams provided leadership to address the district’s aging facilities, including negotiating for more than $100 million in resources to reinvest into facilities, including the construction of two new high schools. She additionally led the investment of $27.3 million into teacher compensation.
The district itself also saw improvements in the classroom during Williams’s leadership.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools increased its graduation rates from 80.1% to 81.5% and the state named the district a Level 5 Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS), the highest distinction available. MSCS students also made valuable improvements in proficiency rates on state testing.
“Our journey ahead may be filled with challenges and uncertainty. However, change is necessary for evolution. And the future of Memphis-Shelby County Schools and the unparalleled achievements that we have in store, I know that I’ll be able to see them in the future. I urge each of you, my dedicated colleagues, to pay it forward and uphold the momentum we have collectively built,” said Williams.
Williams’ future with the district is still under discussion and it’s possible she may stay on and serve in a consultant role.
