MNPS OKs $6.5M Settlement with Five Ex-Employees

MNPS OKs $6.5M Settlement with Five Ex-Employees

Introduction

Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has agreed to a $6.5 million settlement with five former employees who alleged wrongful termination and discrimination. The agreement follows a December 2023 court filing linked to events in March 2020, when MNPS reportedly asked its then-new director to cut $100 million from the district’s budget. Although the restructuring was approved, five high-performing employees lost their positions and subsequently filed suit.

Allegations of Retaliation and Discrimination

The lawsuit claimed MNPS retaliated against employees for exercising First Amendment rights, discriminated against one worker based on age, and retaliated against another based on sex. The complaint also included Title VI violations, which prohibit hiring discrimination.

Concerns Over Financial Impact

During the public participation segment of the meeting, a Metro Councilmember for District 12 expressed concern about the settlement’s cost. He noted the amount is nearly 1% of the district’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and comes after a “difficult budget cycle.” The councilmember highlighted that this payout exceeds the total of all 

MNPS settlements from the past five years combined.

He urged the district to reflect on improving communication and handling disputes, noting similar discussions are happening within other city departments.