Latest news with #AdrienneBattle
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What Nashville school got name change for civil rights champion Richard H. Dinkins and why
Late Judge Richard H. Dinkins had a pronounced stutter growing up, something he overcame personally that had a far-reaching impact. Nashville Public Schools start classes on Aug. 5, with a school that has a new name: Richard H. Dinkins Early College Magnet Middle School, previously Brick Church Middle. A dedication ceremony held on Aug. 2 included Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Metro Nashville Schools Director Adrienne Battle and Richard H. Dinkins Middle Principal Robyn Beard-Tillman among the speakers. Dinkins died in 2023 at the age of 71. The school board unanimously approved the new name for the school last March. Richard H. Dinkins Middle is in Metro's Whites Creek High School cluster. Dinkins was the lead attorney in a long-running school desegregation case that helped reshape public education in Nashville. Cousin Margaret Campbelle-Holman told dedication ceremony attendees in the library about Richard Dinkins stutter and how reading and education provided Dinkins "an unwavering belief in what education could do." "He never forgot about removing barriers," Campbelle-Holman said. "He saw that any impediment for a child's learning had to be worked on," which she believed fueled Dinkins in his desegregation work. Richard H Dinkins later became a judge on the Tennessee Court of Appeals in 2008 and served with distinction until his retirement in 2022. He had previously served as a Davidson County Chancery Court chancellor from 2003 to 2008. "Nashville, and really everywhere, has a lot of unsung heroes and people who have done the work to get us to this point," said Richard Dinkins' son Ian Dinkins, 30. "So it's important that people like my dad, Robert Lillard, are honored ... and have students living out (their) legacy every day." Dinkins Middle student Aria Telfor read a poem to the audience and signage that reflects the new name is up inside and outside in time for school to start. "I think students have the opportunity to do anything they want if they put their minds to it," Aria said after reading her poem. Dinkins Middle School feeds into Whites Creek High School, which offers the Early College program in partnership with Nashville State Community College. The initiative allows students to earn both a high school diploma and up to 60 college credits, placing them on a fast track to an associate degree. "The name is more than symbolic, it's a commitment," Beard-Tillman said about the name change." Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville's Brick Church Middle renamed for Judge Richard H. Dinkins Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vanderbilt University Poll: Education, safety, immigration remain top priorities for Nashvillians
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The latest Vanderbilt Poll shows the issues of education, safety, and immigration remain top of mind for those living in Nashville. According to the 2025 Vanderbilt Poll-Nashville, public education once again remained a top concern for respondents. The topic has been high on the list for those taking the poll since 2017, according to poll officials. Since 2017, most Nashvillians have given public preschools, kindergartens and elementary schools a C grade. However, those issuing A (excellent) and B (good) grades are slowly rising, per poll officials. In 2023, 7% of residents gave their district's lower schools an A grade, while in 2025 that number rose to 12%. In 2023, 20% issued a B rating; in 2025, the number rose to 28%, according to the poll. 📧 Have breaking news come to you: → When polled about the state legislature's use of school vouchers in Tennessee, opinions in Nashville vary: 20% strongly support vouchers, while 36% strongly oppose. The remaining 44% fall somewhere in the middle, the poll revealed. When it comes to the approval of Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Dr. Adrienne Battle, 60% of residents approve of the job she has done. This number is especially high among those with children in public schools (75%) and even among those with children in private schools (69%). Those who do not have children in K-12 schools gave Battle the lowest favorability rating at 57%, which is still high, according to Vanderbilt. Concerns around crime and safety have risen, according to poll officials. The poll revealed that 64% of Nashvillians believe reducing crime should be a priority area for Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell. It was also the fourth-highest priority item, per the poll. Further, 76% of Nashvillians feel extremely or somewhat safe living in Nashville, while 24% feel somewhat or extremely unsafe. For the last five years, more than 60% of respondents have consistently said there is an area within one mile of where they live that they would be afraid to walk alone at night. As a city with a sizable immigrant population, residents have had to consider their stance on the federal government's initiative to deport undocumented immigrants, Vandy poll officials said in a release. Sixty-two percent of Democrats believe Nashville should actively resist efforts by the federal government to deport these immigrants, while 61% of Republicans believe the city should actively assist in the efforts. ⏩ In terms of individual cases of deportation, 61% support deportation if the immigrant has a criminal history, with the split at 87% for Republicans and 46% for Democrats. Conversely, only 26% support deportation if there is no criminal record, split at 70% support for Republicans and just 9% for Democrats. 'Overall, Nashville's doing pretty well. Residents are reacting favorably to what's going on in the city. That should be taken as some good news,' Vanderbilt Poll Co-Director John Geer said. 'Yes, it's great news for our mayor, but I think it's even better news for all of us who live in Nashville.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Yahoo
MNPS pushes to expand concealed weapons detection system to all high schools
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — In order to enhance its multilayered safety approach, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) is proposing an expansion of concealed weapons detection systems to all of its high schools. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, officials said the Board of Education will vote on the proposal, which would amend the district's current contract with security vendor System Integrations to lease and install Evolv systems incorporating Motorola technology to integrate into MNPS' digital security platform Avigilon. This news comes after Antioch High School successfully implemented the Evolv system following the deadly shooting on Jan. 22. According to MNPS, the system has provided an effective layer of security, helping to detect weapons while still allowing a welcoming and efficient entry process for students. Antioch High School to have third permanent school resource officer, per MNPD 'There is no single solution to ending gun violence, a national epidemic that affects all parts of society, with access to weapons often going unchecked. However, we remain committed to doing what we can to protect our students and staff in our schools,' said Dr. Adrienne Battle, MNPS superintendent. 'Expanding concealed weapons detection systems to all high schools is an important step forward. This will take time to implement thoughtfully, and we will work closely with staff, students, and families to ensure a smooth transition.' If the board approves the proposal, officials said concealed weapons detection systems will be deployed gradually, allowing time for the following: School-specific entry flow designs to ensure efficient student movement Training for staff to effectively manage the systems Student education on how to move through the detection systems with minimal disruption Antioch High School parents petition for metal detectors instead of new AI security system Based on a preliminary review of school designs and needs, MNPS said the estimated cost of the concealed weapons detection systems across all district high schools is about $1.25 million per year. However, there will be a more intensive design process, in coordination with the schools, in order to determine the actual costs and configurations. If approved, the district said it will work with stakeholders to determine an appropriate source of funding for the weapons detection systems. As MNPS gathers data and feedback on the system's effectiveness, officials said they will monitor its impact, which will be considered alongside other future investments across the district, subject to additional funding and input from families and staff. Antioch High School pilots new weapons detection system on first day back to school 'I regret that we live in a time when schools must invest in weapons detection systems to keep students safe. The reality is that meaningful gun safety measures by state and national leaders have remained out of reach, and we cannot wait for change that may never come,' said Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell. 'While I firmly believe in the need for stronger policies to prevent gun violence, our immediate responsibility is to protect students and staff. This investment is a necessary step to address the threats we face today while continuing to push for broader solutions that prioritize safety in every community.' Board Chair Freda Player emphasized that this expansion is part of a comprehensive school safety approach: 'As a school board, we are committed to providing the tools and resources needed to protect our students against another tragic situation like we experienced at Antioch High. The proposed expansion of concealed weapons detection is one part of a broader effort that includes trained security personnel, controlled building access, and emergency preparedness. We will continue to evaluate additional measures to enhance safety across all schools.' MNPS said it is committed to creating a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. Therefore, pending board approval, the district will move forward with phased implementation of the weapons detection systems, ensuring they're effectively integrated into each high school. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
