NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Board of Education members released the names of the five semifinalists in their search for a new director of schools.
The Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) led the search process. The candidates were chosen from 19 applicants.
- Adrienne Battle: Interim Director of Schools, Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
- Brenda Elliott: Chief of School Improvement & Supports and Chief of Equity, DC Public Schools; Stratford High Principal during the early 2000s
- Brian Kingsley: Chief Academic Officer, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, NC
- Shelley Redinger: Superintendent, Spokane Public Schools, WA
- Roderick Richmond: Executive Director of Student Support Services, Shelby County Schools, TN
The search process includes interviews with each semifinalist consisting of the same predetermined questions developed by the Board members. Interviews by the Board will take place in public meetings at 6 p.m. on separate nights for the candidates during the week of March 2-6, the schedule of which will be released after the TSBA contacts individual candidates to determine availability.
At the end of the process, each board member will list but not rank her top two choices on a written, and signed, ballot.
The candidate receiving the most votes may be invited to return for a second interview. This person will not be identified as the Board’s first choice, but will become the Board’s candidate of focus. The Board will follow the same procedure with the remaining candidate, if necessary.
The Board is anticipated to make an offer to a candidate by the March 24, 2020 meeting.
Dr. Adrienne R. Battle was named the Interim Director of Metro Nashville Public Schools in April of last year. She replaced embattled Dr. Shawn Joseph as director after board members voted 5-3 to buy out his contract.
Battle was the first MNPS director to have also been a MNPS student. She is a former principal of Antioch High School.
