Memphis-Shelby County Schools needs stability, transparent leadership and a culture that promotes academic growth. Its new permanent superintendent outlines his plans to bring the district “from stability to continuity.”
This week, the school board voted unanimously to promote then-interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond, ending an era of constant leadership turnover.
Richmond is the district’s fourth leader in four years. Last year, he replaced Marie Feagins, whose superintendency only lasted nine months. Richmond says the community is ready for consistency.
“Serving in the interim taught me the importance of steady leadership, how important relationships are,” he says. “Those things are important when you’re trying to restore trust during periods of extremely turbulent transition.”
Now, he’s chasing the district’s north star: student achievement. Looking ahead to his first academic year as Memphis-Shelby County’s permanent leader, 2026-27’s success will be defined through “measurable academic growth.”
“I’d also like to have stronger attendance and enrollment, visible progress as it relates to our facilities and operational efficiencies as we try to rightsize our district,” he explains.
Success will also be measured by staff morale, which is on its way to recovery following multiple leadership transitions. Last summer, the district reported more than 300 teacher vacancies ahead of the current school year.
Richmond says that number has dropped to nearly 150, linking retention to the district’s teacher support strategy and facility upgrades.
“I don’t think people leave institutions. I think people leave people,” he argues. “One thing we’re trying to do is ensure we have quality leaders in every school who can coach and support teachers.”
The district is in the process of merging and consolidating schools with high FCIs (facilities condition index) to improve student learning environments.
“It’s a multi-pronged approach when you start to think about the things that make your organization better,” Richmond says. “I want our organization not only to be the No. 1 urban school district in the country, but the No. 1 organization for people to work for here in Memphis-Shelby County.”
Leadership ‘rooted in service’
Richmond, a graduate of Trezevant High School in Memphis, is giving back to the community that raised him by reflecting on decades of experience in the district.
His leadership philosophy centers around making data-driven decisions because transparency speaks volumes.
“People tend to watch what you do more than what you say,” he explains. “I often tell people to be careful about making emotional decisions or making decisions based on what they think.”
Every week, employees can expect “The Weekly Recap,” which serves as a window into the district’s latest accomplishments, updates and upcoming events. Most recently, the recap celebrated the district’s college and career readiness efforts, honored board members and outlined facilities improvement plans.
“I also have a monthly newsletter to parents reinforcing certain things we’ve done throughout the month,” Richmond says. “Anything I can do to let people know that I’m a proud member of this community and someone who’s engaged, I try to do that.”
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