News Summary
Memphis-Shelby County Schools has announced new leadership appointments aimed at boosting student success. Gary Hannah Jr. becomes the chief of staff, bringing over 25 years of experience, while Dr. Shuanta Broadway is appointed as chief of student support services. Regional superintendents Lischa Brooks and Dr. Michael Lowe also join the team, each with impressive backgrounds in public education. These strategic roles are expected to improve educational access and equity, aligning with the district’s goals for enhanced student performance and engagement.
Memphis – Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has announced several significant leadership appointments for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The district aims to enhance its commitment to student success with new leaders who bring extensive experience in public education.
Gary Hannah Jr. has been appointed the new chief of staff. He comes to MSCS with over 25 years of experience in public education. Prior to this role, Hannah served as the superintendent of Canton Public Schools in Mississippi, where he successfully implemented strategies that led to a nearly 12% increase in graduation rates.
In addition to Hannah, the district has appointed Dr. Shuanta Broadway as the chief of student support services. Dr. Broadway previously worked in the Allentown School District in Pennsylvania, where she was instrumental in creating a district-wide strategic plan and executing an equity audit aimed at improving educational access and equity.
The appointments also include Lischa Brooks and Dr. Michael Lowe as regional superintendents. Brooks is not only a published author but also an Urban Education doctoral candidate. She founded the Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, where she secured over $10 million in funding to enhance access to STEM programs. In her previous role as chief of schools at KIPP Memphis, all three schools under her supervision achieved TVAAS Level 5 and earned Reward School distinctions.
Dr. Michael Lowe brings with him an extensive background with 28 years of experience in education. He has previously held positions as both a principal and regional superintendent in the former Shelby County Schools, showcasing a strong commitment to educational leadership and improvement.
MSCS has emphasized the extensive qualifications and solid track records of each new appointee, indicating that their diverse experiences will bring valuable perspectives and capabilities to the district. Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond has praised the collective expertise and dedication of the new leaders, believing that it will significantly bolster the district’s mission of promoting student success.
This leadership restructuring comes at a pivotal time for MSCS as it aims to improve student performance and engagement across its schools. Each new appointee has expressed a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and academic excellence, aligning with the district’s goals for the forthcoming academic year.
In summary, the leadership changes within Memphis-Shelby County Schools reflect a strategic approach to enhancing educational outcomes. The new appointments—Gary Hannah Jr., Dr. Shuanta Broadway, Lischa Brooks, and Dr. Michael Lowe—bring diverse experiences and proven successes that are expected to serve the district and its students well as they head into the 2025-26 school year.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Memphis-Shelby County Schools
- Local Memphis
- Google Search: Memphis-Shelby County Schools leadership appointments
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis, Tennessee
- WREG
- Google Scholar: Memphis-Shelby County Schools
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Google News: Memphis school leadership

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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.