Search firm begins interviewing candidates to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) announced Wednesday that its search firm has selected a pool of candidates to interview in the ongoing search for a new superintendent.Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) is now conducting interviews with 21 applicants from seven different states.Each applicant is scheduled to receive a video-conference interview with HYA.“It's a nice national pool with strong local interest as well," said President of HYA Max McGee. "We're really pleased with the enthusiastic response. Memphis is an attractive district to top leaders. I am especially impressed with the breadth and depth of the applicant pool for the MSCS Superintendent Search.”McGee has been actively involved in every interview. He said that 20 to 15 candidates are standard for the firm’s national searches.The district has been searching for a new superintendent since the resignation of Joris Ray in July 2022, following allegations of abuse of power and policy violations. The search process has been turbulent and the school board paused it in May so members could reorganize the effort.Search Co-Chairs Board Member Stephanie Love and Board Vice Chair Joyce Dorse-Coleman  have asked HYA to rigorously find the best fit.“Our next superintendent must not only navigate the present but also help our district and our students see the future,” said Coleman. “He or she will have to steer us through challenging waters and unchartered possibilities to reach a brighter tomorrow.”The search firm will present five to eight finalists to the board in December. The exact date of the announcement will take place after HYA completes the interviews and reference checks.The board will then conduct final interviews and choose a new superintendent. The district intends to have a new leader in place by July 1, 2024.