News Summary
Memphis-Shelby County Schools has announced several leadership appointments aimed at enhancing educational equity and student success for the upcoming school year. Gary Hannah Jr. will take on the role of chief of staff with significant public education experience. Dr. Shuanta Broadway has been appointed as chief of student support services, and two regional superintendents, Lischa T. Brooks and Dr. Michael Lowe, will further strengthen the leadership team. These changes underscore the district’s commitment to provide quality education regardless of background.
MEMPHIS – Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), Tennessee’s largest school district, has announced several new leadership appointments destined to shape the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The changes, made public on July 10, 2025, come as MSCS continues its commitment to enhancing educational equity and student success.
In a significant leadership move, Gary Hannah Jr. will assume the role of chief of staff, bringing over 25 years of public education experience to the position. Previously the superintendent of the Canton Public Schools in Mississippi, Hannah’s tenure there was marked by a nearly 12% increase in graduation rates.
Joining him in the leadership team is Dr. Shuanta Broadway, who has been appointed as chief of student support services. Dr. Broadway has a proven record in educational improvement, having served as the chief of performance management, equity, and accountability in the Allentown School District in Pennsylvania. She holds a doctorate in school improvement and has successfully implemented innovative programs, including those catering to incarcerated adults.
Further strengthening the leadership structure, MSCS has introduced two regional superintendents, Lischa T. Brooks and Dr. Michael Lowe. Brooks is a recognized author and a doctoral candidate in Urban Education, having secured over $10 million in grants aimed at expanding access to STEM education. She previously held the position of chief of schools at KIPP Memphis. Meanwhile, Dr. Michael Lowe brings with him over 28 years of educational experience, with prior roles that include teacher, coach, and principal, culminating in his most recent appointment as regional superintendent of Shelby County Schools.
The interim superintendent, Roderick Richmond, has praised the records of the new appointees in fostering positive outcomes across schools and communities. As MSCS moves forward with these new leaders, the district remains dedicated to prioritizing both equity and student success. Alongside these appointments, MSCS has recently welcomed several additional leaders who have already begun their contributions to the district.
Contextual Background
Memphis-Shelby County Schools serves as the largest school district in Tennessee, with a mission to provide a quality education that equips students for future success. As educational landscapes evolve, leadership is crucial for driving innovation and fostering environments conducive to learning. The new appointments are indicative of the district’s strategic approach to creating a robust educational framework for its students and the wider community.
The leadership changes come as part of a broader effort to ensure that every student has access to quality education, regardless of their background. With the new team in place, MSCS is set to address ongoing challenges in educational equity while also implementing strategies aimed at enhancing student support services and overall academic performance.
As the 2025-26 school year approaches, the focus on equity and student success remains a guiding principle for MSCS. The new leadership will play a critical role in addressing the needs of students and the requirements of the community, ensuring that the district continues to advance toward its strategic objectives and educational goals.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Local Memphis
- Google Search: Memphis Shelby County Schools
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WREG
- Google News: MSCS leadership appointments
- Commercial Appeal
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF 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 area—with 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.
