The Hottest Campaign In Nashville This Year May Be A School Board Race

Will Pinkston is officially running for a second term. And it looks like he may have a challenger, which could set off a battle for the balance of power on the school board.

The resistance to further expansion of charter schools in the district has been led by Pinkston, who was previously on the board of Nashville Prep. He says he considers himself a critic, but not a “charter opponent.”

“I am an advocate for large-scale reform that helps all students, all teachers and all schools. I am not for focusing on a small sliver of the school system at the expense of everything else,” Pinkston says.

The outspoken board member was often a thorn in the side of superintendent Jesse Register, who retired in June. In a newsletter to constituents, he describes Register as a divisive leader without the “intestinal fortitude” to stand up to state lawmakers.

The brash style has ruffled feathers, but Pinkston says that’s just who he is.

“When you’re dealing with very complacent bureaucracy, you have to make waves in order to make change happen,” Pinkston says. “I get criticized for speaking very plainly on matters that are important to the school system, and if people find that uncomfortable, I’ll try to do better on style, but I think I’ve got the substance right, and I’m going to keep at it.”

Three dozen elected officials have endorsed Pinkston, who is a Democratic operative and former advisor to Gov. Phil Bredesen. Mayor Megan Barry is not on the list. Pinkston says he hasn’t asked his friend to step in yet.

The endorsement list also includes officials with the Metro Nashville Education Association. The teachers union has not yet made a formal endorsement, but it has contributed to Pinkston’s campaign.

Pinkston says he’ll report $40,000 cash on hand later this month. He’d like the money and endorsements to scare off any challengers, though he’s likely to get one anyway. Entrepreneur and Metro Schools parent Jackson Miller, who is active with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, is expected to announce a bid against Pinkston this week.