I’m Not With Her: $6.5 Million Settlement Raises Serious Questions About Nashville Public Schools

By Steve Gill

Originally published in the TriStar Daily

The recent $6.5 million settlement involving Metro Nashville Public Schools(MNPS) and Director of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle marks a pivotal moment in the district’s ongoing struggle with leadership accountability and the prioritization of student outcomes. The lawsuit by five former administrators, Dr. Jenai Hayes, Dr. Lily Moreno Leffler, Dr. James Bailey, Dr. Pippa Meriwether, and Dr. Damon Cathey, claimed they were wrongfully fired or demoted in 2020 due to retaliation against them either directly or indirectly by Battle.

Battle has her supporters, who point to marginal academic improvements during her tenure as evidence of effective leadership. Now, there is a campaign being launched by her allies and some of her sorority sisters , to curtail criticism of the embattled head of MNPS. They are posting her picture with the hashtag #IAMwithHer.  Sound familiar? Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris both used that phrase previously.

This landmark settlement, approved unanimously and with zero discussion by the MNPS board on July 22, 2025, stems from serious allegations of retaliation by Battle against the five former administrators. As the dust settles, it becomes crucial to reflect on what this means for the future of MNPS and its commitment to the students it serves.

The allegations presented by the former administrators highlight a troubling pattern of behavior. Each plaintiff’s story reveals a deep and consistent narrative of a leadership culture that, at best, appears dismissive of dissent and, at worst, engages in retaliatory practices against those who dare to speak out.

For instance, James Bailey’s termination following his recommendation to fire a coach involved in a physical altercation raises questions about the integrity of Battle’s leadership decisions. That coach was Battle’s brother, and he may continue to have some connection to MNPS.

Similarly, the claims of retaliation against Lily Leffler for her family’s legal battles with MNPS suggest a toxic atmosphere where personal vendettas can overshadow professional responsibilities.

While MNPS has defended these firings as part of a necessary reorganization due to budget constraints, the federal appeals court’s 2023 ruling casts significant doubt on this narrative. The court’s acknowledgment of a budget increase during the same period challenges the justification provided by the district, emphasizing the need for a clear and transparent explanation of the leadership’s decisions.

Critics of Dr. Battle, including parent groups like Nashville PROPEL, have been vocal in their calls for accountability, arguing that the $6.5 million payout diverts essential resources away from students and teachers. The enormous settlement  raises serious concerns about the priorities of MNPS. The settlement is especially questionable in light of dismal academic performance among minority students. Only 23.4% of Black students and 21.2% of Hispanic students achieve proficiency in English Language Arts

Moreover, the MNPS board approving this settlement via a consent agenda without any public discussion has further fueled criticism regarding transparency. Metro Council member Erin Evans has rightly emphasized the importance of open discussions about such significant decisions, urging MNPS to address the underlying issues that lead to such allegations.

The lack of accountability in addressing these concerns only perpetuates a culture of fear and silence, which ultimately undermines the district’s mission to provide quality education.

The MNPS board’s decision to extend Battle’s contract and raise her salary to $385,000 raises a legitimate question of whether the board answers to her or whether she answers to the board?  And how can we reconcile minor  improvements in academic scores with major  disregard for ethical leadership?

MNPS must tackle these challenges directly. The settlement should serve as a wake-up call to reassess leadership practices and foster an environment where educators can express concerns without fear of retaliation. Resources should be focused on improving educational outcomes for all students rather than protecting the interests of a select few.

The $6.5 million settlement underscores the urgent need for a focus on student success Metro schools. The community is watching closely, and MNPS must prioritize student well-being to secure its future. I am NOT with her, and many Nashville citizens and parents feel the same way.