As we head into the 2024-25 school year, Dr. Adrienne Battle is excited to announce key updates to our leadership team and structure at Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), including the appointment of Chief Renita Perry as Chief of Academics and Schools as Dr. Mason Bellamy transitions to a role in the corporate sector. These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality education and support for our students, teachers, and staff.
“My goal as superintendent is always to build on the team and structures that have been working well to ensure the success of our students, ensuring continuity while also striving for continuous improvement,” said Dr. Battle. “I’m confident that we will have a strong team in place to keep up our momentum and grow upon our foundations of success.”
Renita Perry will be transitioning into the role of Chief of Academics and Schools. Having effectively served at MNPS for six years and in education for more than 20 years, Chief Perry has worked closely with district leaders to provide high quality learning experiences for students.
“Chief Perry shows every day that she understands how to help schools get the most out of their teachers, support staff, and students,” Dr. Battle said. “Chief Perry strives for educational equity and ensures every student is known in MNPS.”
Dr. Mason Bellamy, who joined MNPS as Chief of Academics and Schools in July 2020, will be taking on a new role in the corporate sector to be closer to his family in Clarksville. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Bellamy helped create the Leadership Framework, resulting in three years of strong academic growth and record improvements in TCAP results.
“Dr. Bellamy has been a key ingredient in our recipe for success at MNPS,” Dr. Battle stated. “I’m proud of the work we have done to support and grow the students we serve and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Supporting Chief Perry in the Division of Academics and Schools will be Dr. David Williams who has been promoted to serve as Deputy Chief of Academics, while continuing to provide support for the district’s teaching and learning teams.
Dr. Shawn Lawrence, currently serving as Executive Director of Elementary Schools in the southeast, is taking on the new position of Deputy Chief of Schools and will oversee the district’s school and school leadership division.
Dr. Rodney Rowan will join MNPS as the Executive Officer of Schools. He brings 27 years of impactful experience in public education to Metro Schools. Throughout his career, he has served as a classroom teacher, professional learning coach, assistant principal, principal, and most recently assistant superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Public Schools. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tennessee State University, an Educational Specialist Degree from Union University, and a Doctorate in Leadership from the University of Memphis. Dr. Rowan is known as a dedicated instructional leader who has consistently demonstrated the ability to build student and adult capacity while accelerating growth and achievement in public education.
We are confident that these leadership changes will continue to propel MNPS forward in our mission to provide high-quality education for all students. We look forward to another successful school year under the guidance of our dedicated leaders.