One Metro Nashville middle school has been plagued by continued resignations of more than two dozen teachers since the state of the 2021-2022 school year.
According to a report from WSMV, 29 teachers have left the school for various reasons, as many cited a chaotic work environment and a lack of communication from school leaders.
“Teachers are being bullied,” one teacher told the news station. “They are not being treated equally, and they are not being treated fairly.”
Perhaps more concern for parents, several instructors informed WSMV that they did not feel safe working at the school. Specifically, the educators pointed to the lack of action to enhance security measures after a student brought a loaded gun to the school in April. The firearm fell out of the student’s pocket when she reached for her cell phone.
In a statement, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) encouraged teachers to present their concerns to district officials in order for them to be investigated.
“We appreciate any constructive feedback from current and former employees on ways to improve the culture and climate of the school, and we encourage any staff of our schools who have concerns to bring those to the district to be investigated appropriately,” the district said.
However, teacher resignations are not the only consequence of the April incident. Concerned parents have expressed their frustration with leaders and demanded answers on security concerns and staff turnover.
Although the meeting was presented as an opportunity for parents to express their concern, some individuals were asked to leave a recent gathering after expressing their worries.
One reporter for WZTV characterized the meeting as “heated.”
“Another parent is being forced to leave the Oliver Middle School meeting. I followed him out of the cafeteria and he told me he got kicked out because he was asking for answers,” she tweeted.
Another parent is being forced to leave the Oliver Middle School meeting. I followed him out of the cafeteria and he told me he got kicked out because he was asking for answers. @FOXNashville pic.twitter.com/Mdw9l0C14P
— Kaitlin Miller (@kmillerreports) July 14, 2022
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Oliver Middle School” by MNPS.
