Metro Nashville’s school district is facing a state takeover if test scores don’t improve. The state legislature passed a bill last session giving the state more authority to reform and possibly even assume control of failing districts.
Last night, council members heard from state education officials about what a school take over means for Nashville. Connie Smith who heads up the state’
s education accountability office.
“What is a state takeover? Well, that is yet to be determined. Because this is brand new ground that we’re plowing, but we are going to meet the intent of the law.”
Smith appeared before the council at the request of councilman Jerry Maynord. He says a more hands-on approach is necessary to improve the city’s schools.
“I want to work with our school director to look at the audit and say, ‘what systematic changes do we need to make in order to improve our schools. And once we do that, let’s rally around and get the money and the plan together that we know is going to fix our problems so that we can become the best school system in the state.”
An audit due next month will examine everything from how the district spends its money to the teaching. Maynord cautions those results may come too late to make budget changes that would help.
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