Dr. Looney’s Whirlwind Day Ends With Tough Decisions

It started Thursday morning . Metro Schools give Dr. Looney their thumbs up as their candidate for Director of Schools. However, it was not without it’s own drama as someone sent an e-mail to one board member acusing Dr. Looney of covering up sexual harassment. Dr. Looney said this in response:

“I am honored to learn that Metro Nashville Public Schools has narrowed its search for the Director of Schools, and I am a finalist. Unfortunately, in the last hour of the meeting, a false allegation complicated matters by calling into question my integrity. I communicated to Board Chairwoman Gentry that my first priority is to set the record straight. I look forward to this being done in an expeditious manner. Meanwhile, I intend to converse with Williamson County School Board members about the implications of my selection as a finalist. I am especially thankful for all of the good work our families and employees are doing in Williamson County Schools. It is greatly valued. Out of respect to both School Boards and in order to facilitate getting closure on the false allegation, I will refrain from commenting further at this time.” -Dr. Mike Looney, WCS Superintendent

Who sent the e-mail is a mystery at the time of the writing f this article. Will Pinkston, a member of the Metro School Board had this to say about the morning’s proceedings:

Of the three finalist candidates for the next director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, I believe Mike Looney was the best fit. He is the right person at the right time and he’ll instill a sense of urgency in our school improvement work. At the last minute, an anonymous complaint was sent to the Nashville School Board claiming unethical behavior. Examining this complaint will be part of the final vetting process before we officially hire Dr. Looney, likely on July 23. I’ve been assured that the claim is baseless, but we will nevertheless treat it seriously and investigate prior to making a final decision.” Will Pinkston, NSB District 7

By noon, Williamson County folks were buzzing, and Williamson Strong called on supporters to keep Dr. Looney , to appear at last night’s workshop meeting:

Don’t forget that the work session is tonight at 6:00 in the Carolyn Campbell Conference Room at the Administrative Complex. The entrance is to the left of the main entrance where you go for your car tags.

You’ll need to arrive early if you want a seat as the conference room accommodates only about 18 people. We’ve heard that the meeting will be broadcast in the main auditorium for overflow seating.

People will be arriving around 4:00 to make signs supporting Dr. Looney. Please come and show your support outside as board members and staff arrive even if you’re unable to stay for the meeting. Wear your school or Be Nice shirts.

Parents and Supporters Show Up in Force To Support Dr. Looney

Reports of 50 + folks in the auditorium and another 13 in the work area, waited patiently to see if  Dr. Looney would get approved for his raise. Board support for Dr. Looney , approval to move forward on the raise, and to move forward in general , were positive signs that this board not only wanted to retain Dr. Looney , but was ready to put the past behind them.

Night Not All About Dr. Looney

In a night where chairman PJ Mezera took much needed control of situations, it wasn’t all about Dr. Looney. 2 members were pulled from committees for violating code of ethics, Susan Curlee was asked if she would resign, all members were admonished by Mr. Mazera about ethics. Healthcare, athletics, and a Franklin High School plan were also discussed.

There was a lot of info to sift through from last night’s workshop. Watch over the weekend as we bring you the highlights, and sometimes low lights, from the workshop leading up to Monday night’s “big meeting”

 

 


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