Metro Schools Meet State Standards

Nashville Schools avoided a takeover, as students met state standards this spring- something they’ve failed to do for the last five years.

Not a lot will change in the district as a result of this good news. The state remains in control of schools. It will take another year of significant improvements before the district is once again in good standing.

If Metro had failed to meet standards, the Department of Education could have replaced Superintendent Dr. Jesse Register and removed school board members. Board Chairman, David Fox, is happy none of that will happen now.

“I’m relieved that the great work that’s going on now that Dr. Register is leading to rebuild our school system will not be interrupted. It’s taken the governance change issue off the table and that will help clarify things, have fewer distractions, and I think will help us continue to build on the success we’ve had in the last few months.”

One of Metro’s greatest success stories includes getting three troubled high schools -Maplewood, Hillwood, and Hunters Lane – in good standing with the state. Maplewood’s principal, Julie Williams, says she couldn’t have done it without the extra help.

“We had quite a few additional resources, teachers and money. What has to be known is that you can do a good job without these extra resources.”

But three schools, Jere Baxter Middle, Cameron Middle, and Glencliff High, slipped backwards. The Department of Education now has complete control over all financial and personnel decisions at those schools.