During the MSCS School Board’s Evaluation Committee meeting held on Monday, Nov. 14, Chair Althea Greene shared a timeline for the search for a permanent superintendent. During the meeting, Greene stated that both student and community input sessions will begin in December. Community input is a critical component the Board values, said Greene, who encouraged parents, students, staff, and Shelby County residents to share their views and provide feedback during the selection process.
Greene also announced the community representatives who will join the national search committee. The committee includes community organizers, educators, and business leaders.
Search Firm Will Guide Process
Chair Greene emphasized that the School Board will work with an outside firm to guide the superintendent search to ensure complete transparency. The Board is expected to vote to launch a Request for Proposal (RFP) to obtain a search firm by the end of the calendar year.
Beginning January 2023, the selected search firm will use the input gathered to create a hiring profile for potential candidates. The firm will then conduct a national search and send their recommendations to the search committee. The goal is to complete the process and hire the new superintendent before the start of the 2023-24 school year.
The recent update was the latest news in the search process. Board members discussed other details at the District's School Board Retreat on Oct. 28-29. The annual retreat is a time for board members to dive deep into their roles and responsibilities as a united body. The Board covered various topics, from strengthening relationships with community advocacy and government organizations to reviewing academic goals, District policies, and processes.
The national search for a new superintendent was a major part of the first day’s discussion. Greene and Vice Chair Sheleah Harris encouraged their colleagues to review the superintendent qualifications and other policies related to the role.
School Board, District Staff, and Community Members Attend Board Retreat on Oct. 28, 2022
“This is a process, and we want to do what’s right for students, our communities, and our stakeholders,” said Greene. “Our MSCS families and community members are understandably ready for us to move forward and engage them in the search for our next leader. We have to be intentional to ensure success in this process.”