School Board Renews Garcia Contract

The Metro Nashville Board of Education voted 5 to 3 last night to extend director Pedro Garcia’s contract by three years.

Differences over the length of the extension nearly derailed the process until Board Chair Marsha Warden called a ten-minute recess to calm tempers.

Board member Edward Kindall says he wanted only a one-year extension because some of the academic measurements haven’t improved.

“For example, I have a strong priority on disparity between races in terms of achievement and in terms of discipline. And I’d like to see those move and move a little faster than they’re moving. And so that’s one of the concerns. So really it just amounts to accountability.”

Garcia stressed the extension of the contract will bring continuity to the district.

“The average stay of superintendents across the country is 2-and-a-half years. So just the fact that I have survived my 6th—this is my five and a half years—I think is good. But I think we also have a lot of programs in place and every time you get a new superintendent then it’s a new direction and change, who knows what.”

Kindall voted against the three year contract as did Jo Ann Brannon and George Thompson. Gracie Porter abstained.

The board also voted to give Garcia a 17-thousand dollar raise. His new salary of 216-thousand per year brings it in line with school districts of similar size.