Image Credit: MNPS & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Metro Nashville Public Schools will soon be paying what is believed to be the largest settlement ever in the district’s history; this payout comes as an effort to bring a close to a lengthy lawsuit brought by five former employees who claimed retaliation by Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle.
The MNPS school board decided on Tuesday to approve the settlement for the case, which was originally brought in 2020, on the day it was supposed to go to trial.
The $6.5 million settlement will cover lost wages, economic damages, and other claims for several complaints that were consolidated into the case.
Those bringing the lawsuit claim that they were either demoted or removed from leadership positions because they chose to voice concerns on district matters.
One person claims that retaliation came after the administrator questioned a lesson during Black History Month.
Another said that he was removed following an investigation related to a grade change.
Others said their consequences came after recommending the dismissal of Dr. Battle’s brother, Carlton Battle, after the coach allegedly fought a parent at a game and was found to have mishandled school money.
Dr. Battle would not give any comment on the current legal case. MNPS has not admitted to any wrongdoing in the case, but they have noted their agreement with the settlement comes from the increasing legal and financial risk involved in the case.
“Given the complicated nature of the case, the age of the case, and the risks to the district if it went to a jury and didn’t go our way, we ultimately decided to move forward. That’s why a settlement agreement was reached,” said Sean Braisted, MNPS spokesperson.
