MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board has finalized the contract of its interim superintendent, Dr. Roderick Richmond, and the compensation package is raising eyebrows among some members of both the community and the board.

Dr. Richmond will earn an annual salary of $325,000, matching the pay of his predecessor, Dr. Marie Feagins, who was terminated earlier this year.

The contract spans eighteen months, through July 2026, making it one of the longest interim appointments in recent district history.

Board member Michelle McKissack, who represents District 1, voiced both caution and concern about the salary match.

"I do have those concerns that an interim superintendent is getting the same pay as the previous permanent superintendent," McKissack said in a board meeting Wednesday.

Despite the compensation concerns, McKissack said the eighteen month term could help steady the district. "I think eighteen months certainly is acceptable to provide some sort of stability for the public," McKissack added. "But at the same time I don't think we should say we are not going to do a thorough search just because of the circumstances."

Richmond's contract includes formal accountability measures, such as self-assessments, performance metrics, and a mid-year evaluation.

Additionally, if either side wants to part ways, the contract includes a forty-five day notice requirement; a clause that wasn't written into Feagins' agreement.

Board member Natalie McKinney of District 2 emphasized that the contract provides protection for the board, should it need to act swiftly. "I think that we are protected," she said during the meeting. "So that we can make any decision, whether it's for a cause or not immediately."

In addition to his salary, Dr. Richmond's contract grants him thirty vacation days upfront, health insurance, and use of a district-owned vehicle.

The MSCS board also voted to increase the salary of General Counsel Justin Bailey, raising his pay from $170,000 to $275,000 annually. Bailey now manages all legal matters related to both the district and the school board.

Dr. Richmond has been serving as interim superintendent since January, following the controversial ouster of Dr. Feagins. The district has not released a timeline or update on the national search for a permanent superintendent.