The MSCS School Board held its third retreat on June 9 to continue crucial discussions for the Superintendent Search process. Led by facilitator Tomeka Hart Wiggington, Board members discussed superintendent qualifications they would like to see reflected in the search process. 

Several decisions will need to be formerly presented and voted on during the Special Called Meeting scheduled for June 13. These include the need to discuss and take action regarding qualifications necessary for the role, discuss and take action on Policy 1003 - Superintendent Qualifications, and discuss and take action on the candidate pool selection.  

The Board came to an agreement on qualifications they'd like to see in candidates for the role of superintendent. They include the following: 

1. Strategic Leadership in Budget and Finance
   1. Budget and finance expertise
   2. Allocating resources
2. Governance and Board Leadership
   1. Community advocate
   2. Courageous decision maker
   3. Implement board vision
   4. Political- seen throughout various categories
   5. Retain a strong team
   6. Promote growth
3. Ability to positively impact culture and climate
   1. Culture and climate
4. Dynamic, Adaptive Leader
   1. Proven track record of success
   2. Innovator
   3. Change management
   4. Strong visionary
5. Strong Academic Visionary

These may be brought forward for discussion and a vote at the Special Called Meeting. 

Regarding the candidate pool, a few options are up for discussion, including: 

• Keep current pool; re-rate candidates against board-established qualifications.
• Open pool to new candidates, allowing current candidates to opt in or out; rate all candidates against board-established qualifications.

Following the formal vote expected on June 13, the School Board will share their agreed-upon superintendent qualifications with the search firm, determine if the firm’s existing rubric needs to be revised, and identify how these changes may impact the process. Board members also raised interest in having recommendations on five finalists instead of only three. 

The facilitator, Tomeka Hart Wigginton, recommended developing a comprehensive Project Management Plan by the end of June. The School Board agreed that this plan should include a timeline, an implementation/accountability plan, and a communications and community engagement plan. The School Board will work with select staff to fully develop this plan. 

Plans for another retreat have not yet been determined; however, Board members expressed their appreciation for Hart Wigginton’s guidance and the clarity that this time has provided them to focus on this important task. 

Related Links

Board Retreat #3 - June 9, 2023 (video)

Superintendent Search Progress: School Board Members Narrow Focus (Board Retreat #2)

Board Retreat #2 - June 1, 2023 (video)

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board Will Announce a Series of Meetings to Possibly Revise & Expand the Search

Hopes for Board Retreat on Superintendent Search