Memphis-Shelby County Schools are set to welcome Dr. Marie Feagins as their new superintendent starting April 1. According to Action News 5, Feagins plans to hit the ground running by visiting several district schools on her first official day. This marks the culmination of an extended search that spanned almost two years for the Memphis schools.
The MSCS Board Chair Althea Greene confirmed that Dr. Feagins will start her onboarding process with the district and will be paid on a per-diem basis until her contract is formally approved by the MSCS board. If everything goes according to plan, this decision will happen in their next meeting. Greene indicated an eight-week transition period to acclimate the new superintendent to the district's operations, mentioning that she will be involved in the budget process. This was reported by The Commercial Appeal.
Dr. Feagins' approach towards her new position indicates a desire for a comprehensive understanding of her district. With visits planned across several schools, her "Voice Improves Partnership Community VIP tour" as dubbed by Action News 5, is expected to stretch across the entirety of April. The hands-on tour is an active effort by Feagins to connect with the educational community she will soon lead.
The impact of these early engagements cannot be understated. As WREG noted, "Having Dr. Feagins on the ground as soon as possible will provide input and help prepare her for a positive new school year," according to board chair Althea Greene. It's a sentiment resonating with the anticipation and optimism of a district in the midst of leadership change, ready for a fresh perspective as embodied by Dr. Feagins' imminent tenure.
