School Board Candidate Guide

Use the guide below to make an informed choice for School Board during the Davidson County primary election on March 5. Early voting takes place February 14-27!

Increased funding alone is not enough.

Despite growing financial investment in public education over the last 10 years, chronic educational inequity still plagues our city. The neighborhood a child’s family can afford to live in often determines the success rate of the school they are zoned to attend.

Since we know that a quality education gives students access to a life of higher earning potential, better health outcomes, and greater civic involvement, we encourage you to evaluate candidates for School Board based on their plans to improve access to those opportunities for MNPS students

The school board candidate profiles below provide information and answers submitted directly by each campaign. Candidates are presented by district, in alphabetical order by last name.

District 1

Demytris Savage-Short

Website: n/a

Political affiliation: Republican

  • Diploma from TCAT

  • private duty pediatric nursing

  • one of the youth leaders at Regeneration Nashville Church

  • because the children are our future, and they are not being educated but indoctrinated clearly proven by failed TCAP scores all across the board

  • voters should elect me because I will bring back parental rights and authority, and ensure our children are educationed and not indoctrinated. I am qualified because I am a citizen of Nashville, a taxpayer and a mom who cares

  • education not indoctrination

  • I do not believe in equity but I believe in equality

  • making sure the parents know their rights and authority and ensuring that schools are finanacially funded equally

  • education begins at home and I will not place the needs of educators above the education needs of the parents first, then the students

District 1

Robert Taylor

Website: TaylorForSchools.com

Political affiliation: Democrat

  • BA Biology, Minor in Education; MPA Public Policy Concentration

  • Instructor and Program Manager at Meharry Medical College. Former MNPS Family Involvement Specialist, Former Men's Initiative Director at Tennessee State University

  • My entire career has been spent as a public servant. I have also been an active member of my community serving in the following roles over the years.

    -MNPS Student Board Member Selection Committee

    -Mayor Briley's Kitchen Cabinet for MNPS

    -Fmr. Nashville Branch NAACP Education Chair

    -NOAH Education Committee Member

    -President, The New Life Center

    -Fmr. Rejoice School of Ballet Board Chair

    -Haynes Trinity Neighborhood Coalition Treasurer

    -Fmr. Jordan Ridge at Eaton's Creek HOA board president

    -Nashville Fisk University Alumni Association fundraising chair

    -Word of Life Christian Center International (WLCCI) board member

    -Brother's of Umoja (Tennessee State University and Shaw University) Advisory -Board

    -Nashville Breastfeeding Coalition

    -ACES Nashville Coalition

    -Nashville Health & Well-being Leadership Council

  • I believe our city is looking for leadership that is focused on serving the specific needs of the community

    My experience as an MNPS parent, former MNPS Family Involvement Specialist, and avid MNPS supporter has shown me that elevating parent and student voice is one of the most powerful tools we can use to improve educational outcomes for our students.

    My time as a program manager at TSU and faculty member at Meharry Medical College has taught me what our students need to succeed after graduation.

    I believe that all parents send their best to our schools every day, their children. It is our responsibility as a community to get public education right as we work towards the goal of making sure MNPS schools are the best choice for Nashville families.

  • I believe voters should elect me to the office of School Board representing District 1 because I believe my experience as a community servant and leader is unmatched in this race. I have served as a thought partner on several issues that have impacted MNPS students and families over the years such as the state funding formula, the MNPS student discipline policy, MNPS priority school improvement, and Advanced Academic participation rates to name a few.

    I am also an MNPS parent and have been so for 16 years. I believe every child deserves a quality education in their own neighborhood, with options to pursue their unique talents and interests. I also have children who attend private school. This provides me with a unique perspective through the lived experience of trying to find the best educational opportunities for my children here in Nashville. This experience has fortified my commitment to ensuring that MNPS is the best educational opportunity for all students.

    I also have a track record, as a public administrator and former MNPS family involvement specialist, of entering organizations that have opportunities for improvement and helping them implement policies and procedures to help them achieve and exceed their written goals and objectives.

    I am also a firm believer that representation matters. As a Black Man, I believe our children need to see more positive men doing the work of the people. Men who are committed to the well-being of the entire community.

    These are just a few of the reasons why I believe voters should elect me as the next MNPS School Board Representative for District 1. For more information, please visit our website at www.TaylorForSchools.com

  • Add to a Parent and Family Engagement policy to require Title I and School Improvement Plans to be posted on each school's website and made accessible to all parents/guardians. Also ensure that parents are actually, meaningfully engaged in the plan development process as is currently stated in the policy.

    Adjust the fundraising policy to include language related to having clear goals and objectives as a part of the authorization request form.

    Add language to the Student Discipline Due Process policy to require the student and their guardian to be referred for additional support services prior to the student's return to school.

    Add language to the Capital Budget policy to include the prioritization of equitable distribution of resources.

  • I will work to lead discussions within each school community in District 1 to identify the issues related to equity and develop community driven solutions to the identified problems.

    I will also act as the #1 cheerleader for all things District 1. This will help bring awareness to all of the great things that are going on in the district school while building the morale within each school building.

    Lastly, I will work with MNPS staff and our community partners to develop sustainable relationships for the purpose of supporting our students and families in ways that MNPS may not have the expertise to do so. An example of this would be something as simple as providing career development services at every school (we have these services in some schools already) in the district to be utilized by parents and the entire family.

  • Some of my previous policy suggestions would address those issues. I think we can also continue to promote the wonderful things that are taking place in our schools to help generate the community and business partner support that is necessary to provide the equity our students deserve.

  • Yes

District 3

Zach Young

Website: votezachyoung.com

Political affiliation: Democrat

  • High School Diploma (Merrol Hyde Magnet School) & Some College (Belmont University)

  • Real estate agent

  • I have been an elected member of the Goodlettsville City Commission since 2012, and served on the Metro Council from 2019-2023. I am a member of the Goodlettsville Chamber Foundation board (501c3), a member of the Goodlettsville, Madison-Rivergate, & Tennessee Pride Chambers of Commerce.

  • Education is the single most important thing our government provides for the community. Growing up as the child of a public school employee and the great grandson of an MNPS teacher, I had the unique opportunity to see first hand the important work being done in public schools - not just by teachers but by all of the staff. After four years of being an elected member of the funding body of MNPS, I can be the connection that our school board needs to cement a better working relationship between the council and MNPS. Metro Council and MNPS Board need to have a relationship of trust, so the council can be sure that the board is spending public funds in the best way possible to serve the needs of students and families. It is, after all, the single largest line item in the Metro budget.

  • I have also served on the Goodlettsville City Commission since 2012 and on the Metro Council from 2019-2023. I am no stranger to municipal government and getting results for residents. My experience provides me with a firm grasp of the budget process and working with other elected officials such as the Metro Council. My entire adult life has been dedicated to serving my community and forging relationships with the right people to make things happen.

    I am also an MNPS parent and have been so for 16 years. I believe every child deserves a quality education in their own neighborhood, with options to pursue their unique talents and interests. I also have children who attend private school. This provides me with a unique perspective through the lived experience of trying to find the best educational opportunities for my children here in Nashville. This experience has fortified my commitment to ensuring that MNPS is the best educational opportunity for all students.

    I also have a track record, as a public administrator and former MNPS family involvement specialist, of entering organizations that have opportunities for improvement and helping them implement policies and procedures to help them achieve and exceed their written goals and objectives.

    I am also a firm believer that representation matters. As a Black Man, I believe our children need to see more positive men doing the work of the people. Men who are committed to the well-being of the entire community.

    These are just a few of the reasons why I believe voters should elect me as the next MNPS School Board Representative for District 1. For more information, please visit our website at www.TaylorForSchools.com

  • A top priority should be filling every position in MNPS. Currently there are scores of unfilled jobs, and every vacancy is a missed opportunity to better serve children. In particular, the many paraprofessional vacancies create a hardship for students with special needs. We are morally and legally obligated to provide a high-quality and accessible education to every student that walks through the doors of our schools. When we cannot fully staff our services for students with disabilities and special needs, we are not fulfilling our potential to be a foundational support for all families.

  • Every student deserves access to a high quality education with all of the wrap around services needed to be successful in and out of school. By ensuring that every school has the best teachers, fully staffed, and has the financial resources for success we can ensure that every child gets their fair piece of the pie regardless of their neighborhood and socioeconomic background.

  • While many schools have active school support organizations (such as PTOs and Booster Clubs) that support them through volunteering and funding, there are many schools that do not have that level of involvement. For that reason, we must continue to support and expand the work of organizations such as Community Achieves. Such programs can help to bridge the gap in schools that don't have active support organizations in place. No school should have less just because it is not in a wealthy zip code.

  • Yes

District 5

TK Fayne

Website: faynefor5.com

Political affiliation: Democrat

  • Middle Tennessee State- BS Communications; Strayer-Master Of Business Administration, MBA

  • Amazon, Business Analyst

  • As Community Director of Black Employee Network Global and Co-Chair DEI , I have launched mentorship/partnership programs with MNPS (Napier, Rose Park, Two Rivers, McKissack, etc)

  • My son is a student at Pearl Cohn High. I serve as the Admin for the Booster Club and assist with Team Mom activities. I take pride in the community and want to see better results for those kids. I know the importance of allocating proper resources and funding into the schools and expanding programs. I come from the same demographics and have similar stories- it’s a must I give back.

  • I am an advocate for the community and have a strong alignment in decision-making processes that foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to education.

    1. Equitable Funding: Advocate for fair and equitable distribution of funds to ensure all schools, especially those in under-resourced areas, have the necessary resources.

    2. Inclusive Curriculum: Promote the development and implementation of inclusive curricula that reflect diverse perspectives and histories.

    3. Teacher Professional Development: Prioritize ongoing professional development for teachers to enhance their skills in catering to diverse learning needs and creating an inclusive classroom environment.

    4. Community Engagement: Foster strong connections between schools and their communities, involving parents and stakeholders in decision-making processes.

    5. Mental Health Support: Implement policies that prioritize mental health resources and support services for both students and educators.

    6. Technology Integration: Ensure access to and integration of modern technology in education to prepare students for the digital age.

    7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies: Develop and enforce policies that actively address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the school district.

  • Equity takes investment. To increase equity in Metro Nashville Public Schools, it will take increased funding for underprivileged areas, targeted support for struggling students, and inclusive curriculum development. It's crucial for policymakers, educators, and the community to collaborate on effective strategies.

  • To ensure a great public school in every neighborhood, it's essential to focus on equitable resource allocation, teacher training, and community engagement. Adequate funding, personalized learning initiatives, and mentorship programs can bridge the opportunity gap.

  • Yes

District 7

Freda Player

Website: fredaforschools.com

Political affiliation: Democrat

  • BA - Fisk University

    MA - George Washington University

  • Emerge Tennessee and MNPS Board of Education

  • Player has also served as the Chair of the Tennessee Health Care Campaign, co-founder of Fisk University Young Alumni Association, former co-founder and co-chair Nashville New Leaders Council, former Membership Chair of Nashville League of Voters, former Member At-Large Board Member of the Tennessee League of Voters and a former Steering Committee Member of A.W.A.K.E, former Treasurer of Tennessee Citizen Action and co-founder and Vice Chair of Emerge Tennessee.

  • Having worked as an advocate for MNPS support staff for 8 years at the city and state level, and then as the Council Liaison in the Mayor’s office, I have a clear understanding of the intricacies of both MNPS policies and the city’s budget process.

    I have the experience necessary to facilitate the conversations about the values, vision, and goals of the MNPS board to the Council, Mayor, the constituents of the district, community stakeholders and the city.

    From 2010 to 2018, I monitored, observed, interacted, and collaborated with the MNPS School Board members and chairs, Directors of Schools, and variety of staff in my capacity as Political Director of SEIU. I fully understand the unique MNPS governance structure as a corporate governance model. The board speaks with one voice and has one employee, the director of schools. For my entire career, I’ve worked in democratic structures and strove for consensus and progress, and I have and continue to bring that attitude to the board. Additionally, I will bring a voice for the support staff, many who earn the lowest wages in MNPS despite providing vital services that keep our schools running.

  • I am an advocate for the community and have a strong alignment in decision-making processes that foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to education.

  • Priority 1: Continue the academic gains from the last two academic years for all students.

    Priority 2: Closing the achievement gap among our students.

    Priority 3: Protecting our local financial and academic structures from state overreach.

  • I would continue to implement the priorities mentioned in the previous question. It is vital we continue to make policy decisions through an equity lens and metrics. This means putting resources (especially staffing and financial) where it is needed and not in areas that demand it. I, along with my colleagues, have made some difficult and unpopular decisions because it was the equitable thing to do. When we made those decisions, the students and schools improved.

  • I would advocate for appropriate resources at the state level with the legislature, governor's office, and the state's education department. On the local level, I would advocate with the mayor's office and our council. We need to continue the more productive two-way conversation with the business community which has occurred in recent years. There must be a dialogue with all stakeholders to truly understand the what the under-resourced communities from all parts of government not just in the education community alone.

  • Yes

District 9

Abigail Tylor

Website: facebook.com/AbigailTylorTN

Political affiliation: Democrat

  • B.S. in Elementary Education from Centre College

    Master’s of Education from Peabody at Vanderbilt University

  • I was a public school teacher for over a decade (the vast majority in MNPS) and I have served on the MNPS School Board as the District 9 representative since 2020.

  • I coached high school soccer at MLK High School and DCA, as well as younger recreational soccer teams at HYSA/TSC. I served as a board member for Rebuilding Together Nashville for six years before rolling off due to term limits. I have a long history of serving the community in other roles, such as working with her church family at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in addition to volunteering with Hands On Nashville, Room in the Inn, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, General Hospital, and Vanderbilt Developmental Clinic, among others.

  • Education is the work of my life. I am an MNPS graduate, I taught and coached in MNPS, and my children now attend Metro Schools. I firmly believe education is the great equalizer - one of the most important things we can give our children is a good education. In order to provide a good education, we need to have a strong School Board that looks out for the best interests of all of our students. I am excited to continue that work for the next four years.

  • Because of the various roles I’ve held in MNPS as a student, teacher, coach, parent, and school board member, I have a wide perspective on the district’s opportunities and challenges. In addition, I am a creative problem solver with common sense. I have a long history living in and serving the community, and I know how to work collaboratively in an oversight role. From writing the first equity policy to increasing SEL supports to historic pay raises for teachers, support staff, and administrators, I am proud of all that’s been accomplished during my first term as a school board member. My last four years of service on the board have shown I respond to my constituents’ concerns, solicit community feedback, and search out as much information as possible before making big decisions.

  • My top priorities for the next four years will be the budget, school safety, fighting school privatization, and advocating for our teachers, librarians, and support staff.

  • As the current District 9 representative, I’m particularly proud that despite failed attempts by others in the past, I was able to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to create the first equity policy for MNPS and secure a unanimous vote for the final product to pass with minimal changes. (Policy 1.7001 Educational Equity) Within the policy, there are clear directives for how MNPS should strive for equity. If re-elected, I will continue to work to ensure that the policy does more than exist on paper, but that it is consistently followed as part of the way things are done in MNPS. Specific examples of the parts of the policy I will continue to keep a careful eye on ensuring compliance are in the Responsibility in Planning and Budgeting section of the policy. Here is what that section says:

    "The board shall consider the values outlined in this policy and use an equity lens when conducting its business and exercising its responsibilities to the people of this community. The following shall guide the district in planning and budgeting:

    1. The board is committed to providing equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Resource allocation shall be equitable and comply with legal requirements.

    2. The district shall provide professional development to district, certificated, and support staff specifically designed to strengthen knowledge and skills for eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps.

    3. The Board, Director of Schools, and employees will work with students, families, and the community to identify and eliminate barriers to achievement and opportunities for academic success and social emotional learning.

    4. The Director of Schools shall establish and make publicly available plans and procedures to implement all equity goals. Plans and procedures shall include measurable goals with clear accountability for actions and oversight. Updates shall be publicly shared with the board at least annually."

  • A great public school requires great public school teachers, support staff, and administrators. One of the most basic ways I can support every neighborhood to have a great public school is to help create the conditions that draws qualified and skilled people to them. To that end, I will continue to push for compensation and benefits that allow our staff to live in Davidson County. I will continue to vocally support the work our teachers, librarians, and support staff do for our students by continuing to solicit their feedback and take it into consideration when making decisions. I will continue to protect their time and respect their expertise, and I will support bolstering our substitute numbers so each school has dedicated substitutes in addition to subs who only want to work a few days a week so teachers and aides don’t have to double up classes or give up lunch or planning time. Finally, as I mentioned when answering the last question about improving equity across Nashville's public school system, the new educational equity policy addresses looking at everything we do in MNPS through an equity lens.

  • Yes