Dr. Shawn Joseph is out as Metro Nashville Schools superintendent — and you can take that to the bank, or at least, Joseph can take more than $261,000 to the bank.
The school board voted 5-3 Tuesday to buy Joseph’s contract out, according to NewsChannel 5.
Board members Dr. Sharon Gentry, Rachel Anne Elrod, Christiane Buggs, Will Pinkston, and Gini Pupo-Walker voted for the buyout. Jill Speering, Amy Frogge, and Fran Bush voted against the deal. Dr. Joseph did not attend the school board meeting, nor did Anna Shepherd, who was out sick.
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The buyout would have Joseph earn his normal salary through July 31st, 2019, in addition to being paid for any accumulated vacation time, and potentially sick time. He would then be cut a check for $261,250. The board would also pay for up to $10,000 in attorney fees for Joseph in the defense of his license by the Tennessee State Board of Education. The board has proposed a one-year suspension for failing to reporter teacher misconduct cases. (sic)
Joseph last month told the board it needed to discuss terms of his departure, NewsChannel 5 said, even as the station revealed the State Board of Education wanted to suspend his license for one year for failing to report cases of teacher misconduct.
One of Joseph’s biggest cheerleaders is also leaving.
Pinkston is a vocal school board member who in March tendered his resignation via Twitter, The Tennessee Star reported, but he has not left the building yet.
Pinkston on Tuesday tweeted a link to a podcast sharing his “reflections” on his school board service, where it was revealed his final day on the board will be Friday. He said, “Sol 15: My reflections on Nashville School Board service … and where we go from here. Thanks @BenEagles for the conversation.”
Sol 15: My reflections on Nashville School Board service … and where we go from here. Thanks @BenEagles for the conversation. https://t.co/pCllIChW32
— Will Pinkston (@WillPinkston) April 9, 2019
Dr. Adrienne Battle, community superintendent, was appointed interim superintendent, WKRN reported.
Parents and others packed the meeting room to comment and shared frustrations over school performance, the station said.
Nashville Mayor David Briley said last month he plans to effectively seize control of the school board and lambasted board members who tried to remove Joseph, The Star said.
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Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.
Photo “Shawn Joseph” by Tennessee State University.
[…] out to the tune of $261,250 plus up to $10,000 in legal fees to defend his license, The Star reported. NewsChannel 5 had reported that staff for the Tennessee State Board of Education had proposed a […]
Shades of Rochelle Small-Toney.
I think somebody, (Local Citizens) needs to take a look at who sets the salaries of these school officials,
and “WHY” a contract is needed to hire any Schools superintendent.
From what I’ve observed over the years, someone who grew up in the community, knows the community, has a personal connection with the community, always works best for the community.
Doesn’t Nashville have at least one person who qualifies??