Memphis-Shelby County School Board poised to widen superintendent search

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board took the first steps to not only reopen the search for a new superintendent, but also rewrite the criteria and expand it to additional candidates.The board put the search on hold last week following dissatisfaction from some members with the finalists and complaints from Memphis community members about a lack of communication and accountability.Board members met for a retreat Friday focused on reevaluating the search for a new superintendent and rebuilding community trust in the process.“I want us to establish our North Star as a district. Because the person who sits in the seat and becomes the next superintendent should really be carrying out the vision we set as a board,” said board member Kevin Woods.Former two-term board member and renown education advocate Tomeka Hart Wigginton led the discussion at the retreat and helped board members break down the issues in the search and how they intend to move forward.The options for moving forward include making no changes to the search and continuing to the finalist interview stage, adding additional finalists, opening the current pool for new applicants, changing the evaluation criteria, and re-selecting the finalists, and starting the search from square one.The board didn’t set a specific date for when the search will officially restart but instead decided on a series of meetings that will give them more time to figure out the next steps they want to take.Members wanted to rewrite the criteria, and seemed to want to reopen the search and expand the candidate pool.“This is the hard work that should have been done that wasn’t that we’re asking you now to take the lead and do it. And now I’m just saying on your own and then at some point collectively,” said Wigginton.Memphis-Shelby County Schools has been searching for a new leader since last July when former superintendent Joris Ray resigned while under investigation over claims that he abused his power and violated district policies.The board’s next work session is scheduled for Tuesday.