Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Superintendent Adrienne Battle received a standing ovation Monday at GEODIS Park after addressing the Nashville Rotary Club, showcasing the district’s recent academic and operational milestones.¶
The applause filled the soccer stadium, more commonly known for hosting Nashville Soccer Club matches and major concerts, as Battle closed her presentation, emphasizing the district’s steady progress and student successes.¶
Student Growth Milestones
During her remarks, Battle highlighted several notable achievements from the past year, including the district earning its fourth straight Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) Level 5 distinction, recognizing the highest level of student growth. In total, Battle says 75 percent of MNPS schools met, exceeded, or significantly exceeded academic growth expectations.¶
She did not reference the oversized role that independently run public charter schools are playing in the district’s TVAAS rating. Research by the Tennessee Charter School Center found 70 percent of Nashville’s charter schools earned a TVAAS level 4 or 5 compared to just 37 percent of district-operated schools. Most of those (64 percent) earned a level 5, more than double the 29 percent of district schools to earn that rating.¶
Charter schools are free public schools that are managed by a non-profit organization under a charter with a school district or the state.¶
Celebrating Student Performance
Battle said the state has recognized 21 MNPS schools as Reward Schools, with 40 percent of those earning the recognition multiple years in a row. Additionally, she said the district reported an 85.7 percent graduation rate, the highest in recorded history.¶
Battle also celebrated gains on Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) tests, noting that MNPS achieved its highest scores since the state implemented more rigorous standards. Proficiency levels rose across nearly all student groups in grades 3–8, while the percentage of students scoring below proficiency declined.¶
New Schools and College-Bound Graduates
Battle also highlighted the opening of two refurbished schools this fall—Percy Priest Elementary and Paragon Mills Elementary, which feature a dual-language program—and the new Lakefire Elementary set to open later this semester.¶
She also honored graduates who earned competitive scholarships and college placements, including:¶
- Ines Busane, Whites Creek High School – Vanderbilt University (full ride, MNPS University Scholarship)
- Isioma Ikhile, MNPS graduate – Harvard University (full ride, biomedical engineering)
- Ivy Miler, Nashville Big Picture – Tennessee State University
- Khalid Hassan, Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet – Princeton University
- Keily Ortez, Glencliff High School – Belmont University
- Laura Gonzalez Noyola, Maplewood High School – Lipscomb University (first-generation college student)
- Bennett Myers, John Overton High School – University of Tennessee, Knoxville
“Our top talent is staying here (Tennessee),” Battle said, citing the MNPS University Scholarship as one factor in retaining graduates locally.¶
Parent Group Criticism
Battle did not reference recent criticism she’s faced from parent advocacy group Nashville PROPEL. In late July, the group released a statement demanding her resignation following a $6.5 million settlement with five former school administrators alleging discrimination. The MNPS Board of Education approved the settlement on its consent agenda last week without discussion.¶
“Dr. Adrienne Battle’s decision-making is compromised. And it’s clear she no longer believes the board will hold her accountable,” Nashville PROPEL said, highlighting concerns over past and pending litigation.¶
