“There is only one kind of shock worse than the totally unexpected: the expected for which one has refused to prepare.”
― Mary Renault, The Charioteer

Principals who showed up for Metro Nashville Public Schools’ regularly scheduled leadership meeting this week probably expected the usual: a few updates, some motivational talk, and maybe a stale breakfast pastry.

What they got instead was a full-blown performance—a weird, uncomfortable flex by embattled Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle and her executive team. And it couldn’t have come at a stranger time.

These meetings are typically dry affairs, focused on data, district goals, and morale-boosting. But this one? This one veered hard into “loyalty rally” territory, complete with donuts, weapon detectors, chants, a mascot, and a parade of mayors.

The $6.5 Million Question

Let’s rewind. Dr. Battle is under fire following the district’s $6.5 million settlement in a retaliation lawsuit brought by five former MNPS officials. Battle and her camp continue to insist she did nothing wrong—despite a summary judgment issued 18 months ago that strongly suggests otherwise.

The court found that MNPS leadership repeatedly questioned the “loyalty” of at least one employee after her cousin sued the district. Two and a half months after that suit settled, that employee was removed from her position. The court’s words: “A two-month delay is enough for a jury to make the inference.”

So while the legal debate is now closed (thanks to the settlement), the leadership lessons are very much open. And here’s the thing: it doesn’t look like anyone learned a damn thing.

Jesse Register, a former MNPS Director, had a simple rule: If something looks unethical, it is. Judging by that standard, last week’s meeting was a flaming red flag.

🎪 Donuts and Detection Devices

When principals arrived, they were greeted with donuts and a fully operational EVOLVE weapons detection system.

For those unfamiliar, EVOLVE is the high-tech scanner used in high schools since last year’s Antioch shooting. It hasn’t been rolled out to middle schools yet—though just last week, a gun was found in a backpack at a North Nashville high school. The district says it’s writing a grant to expand EVOLVE before a September 30 deadline.

Maybe I’m being petty, but it’s hard not to wonder: couldn’t that $6.5 million have helped pay for safety upgrades instead of legal fallout?

Also of note: the scanners were operated by Battle’s dozen-or-so “Chiefs,” many of whom earn north of $200,000 per year. Apparently, their only job that morning was to stand by the machines and wave people through.

Twelve executives. Two-hundred-grand salaries. Running security.

🎤 Four Mayors Walk Into a Meeting…

Inside, the real show began. Not one, not two, but four Nashville mayors—Freddie O’Connell (current), and former mayors Bill Purcell, Megan Barry, and John Cooper—showed up to deliver glowing praise of Dr. Battle.

Each took their turn reminding everyone how amazing she is. According to them, MNPS could not function without her leadership.

Teachers? We love you, but sit down. The good doctor gets the standing ovation.

Of course, no politician misses an opportunity to remind educators about those recent salary bumps. But here’s a reality check: paying professionals closer to what they’re worth isn’t a gift—it’s a basic requirement.

Doing the right thing doesn’t make you a hero. It just means you’re finally doing your job.

And about Megan Barry—look, I admire her resilience through personal tragedy. She’s been kind to me personally. But is she really the best person to defend a public official accused of misusing taxpayer funds? That’s a tough sell.

You can love someone and still question their choices. Those two things aren’t mutually exclusive.

🧱 A Broken Wall Between Politics and Schools

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the presence of these mayors violates a foundational principle of Metro governance.

Back in 1963, Nashville and Davidson County merged under a single charter—an innovative move at the time. But there was one deliberate exception: public schools.

Mayor Beverly Briley, the architect of that consolidation, insisted MNPS remain semi-autonomous. He argued that schools needed an elected board, not political oversight from City Hall. The Metro Charter reflects that: mayors fund schools, but they don’t run them.

This “division of authority” is there for a reason: to guard against political interference.

So when Dr. Battle invites four mayors to sing her praises—not to advocate for more resources, not to support students or teachers, but to prop up her personal image—it sends the wrong message. It’s a blurring of lines we’re not supposed to blur.

🙄 Loyalty Cards and Group Chants

Then came the most awkward part of the morning: MNPS leadership distributed pre-written praise cards for principals to sign and send to Dr. Battle. There were gift baskets. Chants of “We support you, Dr. Battle!” broke out across the room.

I’m not making this up.

Some principals refused to sign the cards. They know those cards will be tracked. If retaliation follows—as it did in the recent lawsuit—how exactly will MNPS defend itself?

Even worse, two new principals were introduced—replacements for two plaintiffs forced out as part of the settlement. Their announcements were met with a standing ovation.

Yes, the new leaders deserve support. But let’s not pretend this isn’t incredibly awkward. Applauding their arrival, when everyone knows who they’re replacing, feels like celebrating a cover-up.

As if that wasn’t enough, the Tennessee Titans mascot showed up and handed out autographed memorabilia.

“It was very uncomfortable,” one principal told me. “The vibe was weird.”

There was some welcome good news shared at the meeting—real, substantive progress that deserved attention. But any positive impact was completely obscured by the strange, over-the-top need to celebrate the superintendent. Instead of focusing on what’s working for students and schools, the spotlight was redirected toward image management. A moment that could have been about momentum became just another distraction.

🚩 What Is This All For?

All this pomp and performance has a very specific energy: fear.

You don’t throw a loyalty rally, invite four mayors, distribute donuts, chants, and swag bags unless you’re scared of something.

But what exactly is Dr. Battle afraid of?

As far as I can tell, no one is holding her accountable for anything.

The school board? They recently rewarded her with a new contract and an $80,000 raise—all while the ink on that $6.5 million settlement was still wet.

Now we’re hearing about a central office remodel that includes a private executive bathroom.

Total cost: $165,083.

Yes, it’s apparently a “modest” renovation. But the optics? Brutal.

According to MNPS Communications Chief Sean Braisted:

“The project involved modest updates to the Director’s office… adjustments to office and conference areas and the addition of a restroom and storage space.”

Sure. But a $165,000 renovation after a multimillion-dollar lawsuit? At a time when teachers are still buying classroom supplies out of their own pockets?

Somebody has to start protecting the public interest. The question is: who?

🍎 Meanwhile, in the State Capitol…

In other news, multiple outlets recently reported that Tennessee is spending more per student on private school vouchers than on public school students—$7,295 vs. $7,023, according to state-level numbers under the new TISA funding formula.

On its face, that’s alarming.

But school choice advocates were quick to push back. Walter Blanks, in a recent op-ed, notes that when you include local and federal funds, the average public school student actually receives $13,000 annually statewide, and $22,000+ in MNPS. Voucher kids? Just the $7,295.

He’s got a point: we’re comparing apples to oranges. Public school funding comes with complex weights and categories. Vouchers are flat-rate.

Muddying the math only distracts from what really matters: How are we serving kids best? That’s the question. Everything else is noise.

📱 Burner Phones and the Cell Ban Hustle

On a lighter note, Channel 4 recently uncovered a growing student trend: burner phones.

To skirt MNPS’s classroom phone bans, students are reportedly bringing decoy phones to turn in—and keeping their real ones hidden.

“Everyone I know just has a second phone they give to teachers,” said Malik Jackson, a 2024 graduate. “My little brother’s in high school now. He has two.”

MNPS says it doesn’t track burner use, but device violations are down slightly this year: 118 students so far, compared to 143 this time last year.

Make of that what you will.

🏈 Friday Night Lights (and Mixed Emotions)

Finally, tonight kicks off high school football across MNPS. As the parent of a sophomore, I’ll be in the stands—equal parts excited and nervous.

I’m rooting for every kid out there, hoping they stay safe, play hard, and walk off the field with pride.

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Buckle up. The ride’s not over.

Categories: Education