MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Shelby County School now has new interim superintendent, and he appears to have the support of the district’s principals, according to a recent survey. 

Dr. Roderick Richmond was appointed interim superintendent by the board Tuesday after serving with the district for years.

Most recently he was the Transformation Officer — a position ousted superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins appointed him to. 

Richmond has applied for the superintendent’s job in the past, and was a candidate in the first round before Dr. Feagins was selected. 

As discussion about Richmond was ongoing, our cameras captured a tense exchange with him and the audience.

“Be careful! Be careful! Be careful! Don’t play with me! Don’t play with me!,” he told an audience member.

His interim appointment comes after a survey was issued by the Memphis Shelby County Principals Association to school superintendents.

Out of the 150 surveys sent, 82 principals responded, with 26 expressing fear of retaliation. The survey said over 75% of respondents believe they have not been adequately supported by the district, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with resources, communication, or leadership. 

Sixty-nine percent also reported they are “Not Confident” or “Extremely Not Confident” in district leadership, also expressing a preference for leadership change.

Forty-three percent of those who took the survey said they would support Dr. Richmond as the interim superintendent. Dr. Angela Whitelaw, who turned down the nomination last night, had 34%; 18% said it doesn’t matter and 4% wanted to keep Dr. Feagins. 

After his appointment last night he said he was “surprised yet honored.”

Part of his role as “Transformation Officer” was to uplift low-performing schools rated D of F by the state. He also oversaw athletics, discipline hearings, and Next-Level Readiness programs.

The school board says they will hold a news conference Thursday to discuss forthcoming changes.