NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Council Member Steve Glover told Metro School Board members to "Chill out" in response to calls to fire Director Dr. Shawn Joseph.
Metro Council Member Glover, who represents the 12th district, and is running for an at-large seat on the council, has filed a non-binding resolution asking the Metro School Board to hold off on taking any action on Dr. Joseph’s contract until the Tennessee Board of Education concludes its consideration of suspending his teaching license.
“Let’s calm down and look at the responsible thing to do,” said Glover. “We’re letting emotions start running what we’re thinking, and how we’re thinking.”
The resolution is ceremonial, since the Metro Council has no control over the Metro School Board, but Glover still hopes it will help everyone take a deep breath and focus on making decisions that will benefit the school district in the long run.
“There’s nothing we’re going to do in the next 10 days, or 30 days that is going to change anything in this current school year,” said Glover.
The MNPS board is set to vote on whether to terminate Dr. Joseph’s contract on April 9th. Dr. Joseph has said he will not ask to extend his contract, but he will not resign. His contract is set to expire June 30, 2020.
The State Board of Education recommended Tuesday to suspend Dr. Joseph’s Tennessee teaching license because Joseph didn’t report 12 teacher misconduct cases within 30 days. Dr. Joseph has said he plans to appeal the recommendation to suspend his license, and that process could take months or longer.
Glover’s resolution also comes just days after Mayor David Briley called the MNPS board “dysfunctional.” He said he planned to take be more involved in the future of the school system.
“I will use my legal authority to influence the direction of the school board from this day forward,” said Mayor Briley during a press conference at Napier Elementary School.
Glover said Mayor Briley needs to “back off.” He added the mayor’s attempts to control the School Board’s operations or finances are out of line, and the Mayor has no authority under state law to do so.
“I think that we collectively need to work towards helping the board and others figure out how to get this thing right,” said Glover.
Glover was hopeful the resolution would be discussed at Tuesday’s Metro Council meeting.
