Memphis-Shelby County Schools asks parents to help with search for new superintendent

Tennessee’s largest school district is asking parents to play a larger role in the process of picking its next leader.The Memphis-Shelby County School Board is encouraging parents to take a five-minute survey at MSCSSuperSearch.com and provide their thoughts on what qualifications the next MSCS Superintendent needs to have.The survey includes questions about what schools need to succeed, the leadership skills and characteristics the next superintendent should have, and which issues should receive the most priority.The survey follows an initial round of community meetings this month the board utilized to hear from students, parents, and educators. More community meetings will be held next month.“Like the community meetings, the survey will provide parents, employees, and community members with a chance to share their school needs and a high-level view of the characteristics they’re seeking in the next superintendent," said Rev. Althea Greene, MSCS Board Chair.The district has been without a superintendent since August when former superintendent Joris Ray resigned while under investigation over claims that he abused his power and violated district policies. At the time Ray was on administrative leave facing allegations in divorce filings that he had adulterous affairs with district employees.MSCS Chief Financial Officer Toni Williams has been serving as interim superintendent ever since.The superintendent survey will be available online until January 15 and all feedback will be shared with the superintendent search firm so they can seek candidates matching the community’s interests.A similar survey is being distributed internally to high school students to ensure student voice is also captured.“So far, we’ve heard that parents want someone honest, trustworthy, and – perhaps most importantly – committed to investing in our students for the long haul. The Student Congress described an ideal candidate as someone with integrity, persistence, an open mind, and a focus on improving school safety, teacher quality and our physical buildings,” said the district in a news release.The MSCS School Board is expected to name a new superintendent this spring.