Memphis-Shelby County Schools host “tailgate talks” to get parental input on superintendent search

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is hosting a series of “Tailgate Talks” before sporting events across Memphis to learn more about what parents are looking for in their next superintendent.This is the latest step in the ongoing MSCS superintendent search.“As the MSCS Board of Education continues to engage the community in the national search for a superintendent, families are encouraged to join Tailgate Talks. At the events, families can stay informed by enjoying a quick bite and chat with School Board members about the search before the game,” said the district in a news release.The first two tailgate talks took place last week at Kirby Stadium and Southwind Stadium where MSCS board members made themselves available to talk one hour before the games.Parents taking part listed honesty, having a superintendent that will give back to the community, someone who will listen and is fair, and someone who loves kids as important qualities they’re looking for in the next district leader.“We need a superintendent that’ll listen to us. We have a different generation, so our generation is gonna be how ours is, our children is a little more complex technology-wise and everything,” said one parent at the event.“Honesty. If you say you’re gonna do it, do it. We know you can’t do everything for everybody, but when you say you’re gonna do it, don’t say it and don’t do it. Honesty. And another thing, you got to have love for the children yourself. If don’t have any (love for the) children, it’s just a job. We don’t need that,” said one parent.The district’s creative move to seek additional parental input did face some pushback on social media.Some posters on the district’s Facebook page say parents shouldn’t be giving preferred personality traits.“Qualities,” asked one poster. “There should be rigorous qualifications, not preferred personality traits.”The final tailgate talk will take place on September 29 at the Melrose High School stadium.The district has been searching for a new superintendent since former superintendent Joris Ray resigned in July 2022, following allegations of abuse of power and policy violations.The initial search process was turbulent and included complaints of a lack of transparency, unaligned interests, and a lack of communication between the district and search firm.Board members temporarily paused the process to organize multiple retreats and update the basic qualifications they were looking for before restarting the search a month later.Applications for the superintendent position will close November 1 and board interviews will start in November with the goal of having a new superintendent appointed on or before February 1, 2024.