We are proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Roderick F. Richmond, as the Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). A lifelong Memphian and dedicated educator, Dr. Richmond brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to the students, families, and communities we serve.

In a city where legacy, leadership, and lived experience matter deeply, Dr. Roderick Richmond’s education journey beautifully reflects the story of Memphis. As someone who has dedicated his career to the city’s classrooms, Dr. Richmond represents the power of investing in homegrown leadership. From student, to educator, to superintendent, his journey reflects the impact of public education, and the promise of what’s possible when those who know our communities best are empowered to lead them forward.

Now stepping into his role as permanent superintendent of MSCS, Dr. Richmond’s appointment is more than a leadership transition; it’s a full-circle moment rooted in history, service, and community. A proud graduate of Trezevant High School, Dr. Richmond’s connection to public education in Memphis spans more than three decades and nearly every level of the school system.

Richmond began his career as an English Language Arts teacher at Airways Middle School, part of what is now Memphis-Shelby County Schools. At the time, he didn’t have any plans to move into administration, but Richmond’s supervisors saw something in him: a leadership quality that suggested he was well-suited for roles beyond the classroom.

In 1998, Richmond was named an assistant principal at Ross Elementary School. From there, he continued to grow as a school leader, serving in roles that allowed him to support both students and educators at the building level while deepening his understanding of what effective teaching and learning looks like in Memphis classrooms.

Those experiences eventually led him into district-level leadership, where he was able to expand his impact beyond a single school community. In senior academic leadership roles, he played a key part in guiding the historic merger of Shelby County Schools and Memphis City Schools, helping lead the unified district through a pivotal moment in public education.

Later serving as Chief Academic Officer and later Deputy Superintendent and Chief of School Operations, Dr. Richmond’s leadership helped drive measurable gains in student growth, accountability outcomes, FAFSA completion, and participation in the Tennessee Promise program. His deep institutional knowledge and longstanding commitment to Memphis students ultimately led to his appointment as Interim Superintendent of MSCS where he was tasked with leading the district through a critical period of transition while maintaining momentum in academic progress and operational stability.

As Interim Superintendent, he helped lead the expansion and success of the district’s nationally recognized Innovation Zone (iZone), which has been instrumental in accelerating achievement in historically underserved schools. Prior to his interim appointment, he served as Transformation Officer, overseeing networks and specialized divisions focused on supporting schools with D or F letter grades. This work directly impacted more than 11,000 students across Memphis by strengthening school performance, increasing access to academic support, and helping position the district for continued progress under his leadership.

His commitment to Memphis students and educators has earned him recognition from across the region and beyond. Dr. Richmond is a recipient of the Leadership Memphis Change Makers Award and was inducted into the University of Mississippi School of Education Hall of Fame. He also helped guide Booker T. Washington High School to national recognition as the winner of the Race to the Top Commencement Challenge; an achievement that brought Barack Obama to the Memphis campus in celebration of student success.

As he begins this next chapter as Superintendent, Dr. Richmond remains focused on building the district’s momentum and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education. His leadership reflects a deep belief in the potential of Memphis students and a clear commitment to strengthening schools, supporting educators, and driving continued progress across the district.