Dr. Marie N. Feagins has wasted no time in embracing her new role as the Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). As outlined in her 100-day plan, Feagins is establishing a transition team and is immersing herself in the District’s operations by engaging with local and state leaders, educators, students, families, and organizations.                                                                                                           

While a full transition team will be announced at a later date, Dr. Feagins said she will be working collaboratively with the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) during the first months of her tenure as Superintendent. CGCS is a coalition dedicated to the improvement of education for children in the nation’s largest public school districts. districts.                                                                                                           

“The Council of the Great City Schools is a highly respected organization that uniquely supports the needs of sizable, urban districts like Memphis-Shelby County Schools,” said Dr. Feagins. “I predict they will serve to sharpen my vision, and I look forward to our collaboration as I embark on this journey.”                                                                     

To support Dr. Feagins and the District, CGCS is providing the time and expertise of three of its most seasoned staff members:                                                                                                            

• Dr. Michael Hinojosa served more than 27 years as a superintendent/CEO of six public education systems, including two of the largest in the United States: Dallas Independent School District and Cobb County (Ga.) School District. Dr. Hinojosa is the CGCS Superintendent-in-Residence.                                                     
• Dr. Ray Hart has more than 30 years of experience in research and evaluation and is the current Executive Director of the CGCS. He has worked with clients from a number of federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of State, the National Science Foundation, and many state and local departments of education.              
• Dr. Michael Casserly serves as a Strategic Advisor to the CGCS. Designated a “Crusader for Urban Schools” by USA Today, Dr. Casserly has been a key member of the CGCS for more than 40 years and served as Executive Director from 1992 to 2021.                                                                                                

Additional guidance will be provided by accomplished current and former superintendents, including:

• Dr. Adrienne Battle, Superintendent, Metro Nashville Public Schools
• Dr. Sharon Contreras, former Superintendent, Guilford County (N.C.) Schools
• Dr. Barbara Jenkins, former Superintendent, Orange County (Fla.) Public Schools 
• Dr. Aleesia Johnson, Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools
• Dr. Carol Johnson-Dean, former Superintendent, Memphis City Schools

CGCS also will work with Dr. Feagins over the coming months to complete a systems review with a focus on operations, engagement and communications, and inclusive excellence.