Memphis, TN, August 21, 2025
News Summary
In a bid to address ongoing academic difficulties, Memphis-Shelby County Schools is restructuring its leadership by establishing five regional superintendent positions. This move is part of an effort to provide equitable resources and enhance support for underperforming schools. The changes come after the district narrowly avoided a state takeover, prompting a renewed focus on improving educational outcomes. Local lawmakers have expressed concerns about the district’s performance, while community leaders emphasize the need for contextual understanding of the challenges faced by Memphis schools.
Memphis โ In response to ongoing academic challenges and legislative scrutiny, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is implementing a substantial leadership restructuring intended to bolster support for its underperforming schools. This overhaul is part of an urgent effort to strengthen educational outcomes after the district narrowly averted a state takeover following the termination of former superintendent Marie Feagins.
Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond has announced the establishment of five regional superintendent positions, aiming to create a more focused and equitable approach to providing resources and support for schools across the district. Each newly appointed regional superintendent will manage a cluster of schools, directing efforts towards implementing consistent K-12 curriculum, improving access to advanced academic options, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
Dr. Michael Lowe has been appointed as the regional superintendent for the Southeast region. With approximately 30 years of educational experience, he previously served as principal of Millington Middle School. In the Northeast region, Dr. Kymberli Chandler will take the lead; she brings her background as a network leader for SOAR Schools and as a director of instructional leadership. Dr. Terrance Brittenum, recognized as MSCS Principal of the Year in 2022, will oversee Midtown and parts of Downtown schools, while Lischa Brooks, who has experience from starting her career as a Latin teacher to becoming chief of schools at KIPP Memphis, will lead the Southwest region. Lastly, Dr. Debra Fox-Stanford, with 28 years of service in MSCS and expertise in improving low-performing schools, will head the iZone region.
The regional superintendents will aim to harmonize funding, staffing, and programs across their areas to mitigate the frequency of student transfers, which have been a point of contention within the district. Furthermore, each superintendent will serve as a direct communication link for families, providing immediate solutions to emerging challenges within their respective communities.
In light of MSCSโs current circumstances, some lawmakers, including Rep. Mark White and Sen. Brent Taylor, have voiced intentions for a state takeover. They argue that the district’s academic struggles necessitate outside intervention. However, Taylor’s critical remarks regarding the school board have faced pushback from local educational leaders, who perceive the comments as inflammatory and misleading.
Recent testing outcomes highlight the urgent need for reform, as only 29% of third to fifth grade students passed reading assessments. These results have prompted lawmakers to advocate for interventions aimed at turning around the district’s performance. However, critics caution against comparing MSCS directly with smaller, less diverse school systems, emphasizing that the unique challenges of MSCSโs demographic landscape warrant a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand.
Amidst these developments, state legislators are proposing the establishment of a state-appointed board to tackle what they perceive as ongoing performance issues within MSCS. As part of this initiative, the district will also undergo a $6 million forensic audit to address governance concerns and improve overall management.
Local community leaders have expressed apprehension regarding the narrative surrounding MSCS’s performance, advocating for the necessity of context and a deeper understanding of the challenges the district faces. The potential outcomes of the audit and the proposed state intervention may significantly alter the dynamics of leadership within MSCS moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What prompted the restructuring of leadership in MSCS?
The restructuring was officially announced following significant academic challenges and the potential for a state takeover, heightened by the recent firing of former superintendent Marie Feagins.
Who are the new regional superintendents?
The new regional superintendents include Dr. Michael Lowe (Southeast), Dr. Kymberli Chandler (Northeast), Dr. Terrance Brittenum (Midtown/Downtown), Lischa Brooks (Southwest), and Dr. Debra Fox-Stanford (iZone).
What are the main goals of the regional superintendents?
Their main goals include implementing aligned K-12 curricula, ensuring equitable resource distribution, balancing funding and staffing across regions, and providing immediate support to families within the community.
What legislative actions are under consideration regarding MSCS?
Legislators are contemplating a state takeover of MSCS and proposing the establishment of a state-appointed board to address perceived ongoing issues in school performance. A $6 million forensic audit is also planned to assess governance within the district.
Key Features of the MSCS Restructuring
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Leadership Change | Creation of five regional superintendent positions to enhance support for struggling schools. |
| Regional Focus | Each superintendent will oversee a cluster of schools, addressing unique community needs. |
| Equity in Resources | Aim to balance funding and staffing across regions to provide equitable educational opportunities. |
| Legislative Pressure | State lawmakers are advocating for a state takeover in response to academic struggles. |
| Audit and Intervention | A $6 million forensic audit of MSCS is underway to address governance issues. |
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Additional Resources
- Local Memphis: MSCS Schools Embrace Regional Approach
- Action News 5: MSCS Leadership Appointments
- Tennessee Lookout: School Leaders and Legislative Tensions
- Fox 13: MSCS Faces State Intervention
- Commercial Appeal: Opinion on Leadership Changes in MSCS
- Wikipedia: Memphis Shelby County Schools
- Google Search: Memphis Shelby County Schools
- Google Scholar: Memphis Education Reform
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States
- Google News: Memphis Shelby County Schools
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
