Memphis-Shelby County Schools begins new school year without a permanent superintendent

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) kicked off the 2023-24 school year Monday morning with teachers holding welcome back signs for students and bands on the steps of their high schools performing.The first day of school was considered successful.“A+ start! 🌟 Our students had a successful first day of school, filled with newness and excitement!” said MSCS on Twitter.”However, without a permanent superintendent, some community members feel that the district is not ready for success in the new school year.“Having a superintendent would make it feel like you were really ready for success 😃 Parents did their part getting the backpacks, uniforms and sent their kids. Now it's time for the school district to step up. Yeah not a fan,” said one Memphian on Facebook.The MSCS superintendent recently restarted the search with updated qualification requirements and a more concise list on the attributes the board wants from the new candidate.Applications will close November 1, and the district aims to have a new superintendent elected by February 1, 2024, and starting the job July 1, 2024.However, this means that the district will not have a permanent superintendent until the 2024-25 school year.Originally, the district hoped to have a new superintendent by the start of the 2023-24 school year. But accusations of a lack of transparency, unaligned interests, lack of communication between the district and the search firm, and end-of-year responsibilities caused the search to be put on hold at the start of May.Following the closure, the MSCS board of education held multiple retreats hosted by education advocate and former two-term board member Tomeka Hart Wigginton in order to reevaluate the search.“Is a joke?” said one Memphian on Twitter.Interim Superintendent Tutonial “Toni” Williams spoke at Cordova Middle School and toured Highland Oaks Elementary School during the first day of school with her executive team. Originally, Williams had been considered a finalist, but no longer after the board reevaluated the parameters of the job position.Toni Williams is the district financial chief and was appointed as the interim superintendent following the departure of Joris Ray, who stepped down amidst accusations of abuse of power and violation of policy.Williams will be going into her second year of the position of interim superintendent.

Back-To-School Family Fun Festival

While some members of the community feel that the district isn’t doing enough, other members of the feel that the district is doing everything they can to make the school year successful.On Sunday, MSCS had their annual Back-To-School Family Fun Festival where families and students could receive free school supplies, vaccines, registration support, free and new clothing items, and food and prizes.“Free uniforms, free school supplies, free funnel cakes; food, fun. Hey, it’s all about the family. We want to make sure that we start this school year off, 2023-2024, flying high,” said board chair Rev. Althea Greene.The festival also held a Back-To-School Unity run.“Yes awesome when I say Everything was great and if you came they made sure you left with something thanks MSCS for everything today,” said an event attendee on Facebook.