Memphis Board Names Roderick Richmond as Permanent Superintendent

Richmond appointed after contentious debate, as Tennessee Republicans push for state takeover of district

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board voted unanimously to appoint Roderick Richmond as the district's permanent superintendent after he served in an interim role. The decision came after a split board debated whether a full superintendent search was necessary or if immediate stability was the priority, as Tennessee lawmakers push for a state takeover of the district.

Why it matters

The appointment of Richmond as permanent superintendent comes amid a contentious political backdrop, with Tennessee Republicans working to pass bills that would establish a state-appointed board to oversee the Memphis district and strip the local school board of most of its powers, including the ability to hire and fire the superintendent.

The details

Richmond, who has served as interim superintendent since January, will now take on the role permanently after the MSCS board voted unanimously to appoint him. The decision came after a split board debated whether a full superintendent search was necessary for transparency, or if immediate stability was the most important factor given the threat of a state takeover. Some board members argued the community's voice was not heard in the previous decision to suddenly fire former superintendent Marie Feagins and appoint Richmond on an interim basis.

  • In January, the MSCS board voted to suddenly fire former superintendent Marie Feagins and appoint Roderick Richmond as the temporary leader.
  • On February 12, 2026, the MSCS board voted unanimously to appoint Roderick Richmond as the district's permanent superintendent.

The players

Roderick Richmond

The interim superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools who was appointed as the permanent superintendent after the board's vote.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board

The local school board that voted to appoint Roderick Richmond as the permanent superintendent, despite a split debate over whether a full search was necessary.

Tennessee Republicans

State lawmakers who are working to pass bills that would establish a state-appointed board to oversee the Memphis district and strip the local school board of most of its powers.

Sen. Brent Taylor

A Tennessee state senator representing the Memphis area who is pushing for the state takeover of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district.

Rep. Mark White

A Tennessee state representative representing the Memphis area who is pushing for the state takeover of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district.

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What they’re saying

“We are under attack by the state. Our continued kicking the can down the road in making a decision about a permanent superintendent puts us possibly in the crosshairs with the state.”

— Natalie McKinney, Chair, Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board (Chalkbeat)

“There's a crisis of inconsistency here. We have four colleagues here who had rooms full of people begging you not to make a decision last January. But the community voice didn't matter back then.”

— Amber Huett-Garcia, Member, Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board (Chalkbeat)

“I do appreciate Dr. Richmond for bringing us stability. I don't see a need to rush right now.”

— Tamarques Porter, Member, Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board (Chalkbeat)

What’s next

The terms of Roderick Richmond's new contract as permanent superintendent, including his salary and length of tenure, will be negotiated by the MSCS general counsel and presented to the board within at least 14 days.

The takeaway

The appointment of Roderick Richmond as permanent superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools comes amid a politically charged environment, with Tennessee Republicans pushing for a state takeover of the district. The decision highlights the ongoing challenges facing the district, including the need for stability and the importance of community input in key leadership decisions.