NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Dr. Adrienne Battle, superintendent of Nashville Public Schools, was named the 2026 Mid-Cumberland Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents. The recognition was announced at the TOSS Mid-Cumberland Superintendents' Study Council, where Battle was selected by her peer superintendents in the Mid-Cumberland Region.

Nominees for the award are evaluated on leadership for learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement. Battle has served as superintendent of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools since 2019 and is the first woman and first MNPS graduate to lead the district.

Under Battle's leadership, MNPS earned a Level 5 TVAAS Growth rating for four consecutive years, the first time the district sustained that rating for four years. The district recorded its two highest graduation rates on record over the last two years, and student performance outpaced overall state academic proficiency growth on state assessments. MNPS students reached record highs in English Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies, achieved the highest Science scores since tougher state standards were introduced, and posted the best End-of-Course exam results across every subject. Since 2021, the district has recorded double-digit proficiency growth while reducing the number of students scoring "Below" expectations and increasing the number exceeding expectations.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from my colleagues across the Mid-Cumberland Region," Battle said. "This award reflects the work of our entire district: our students, educators, school leaders, support staff, families, Board of Education, Mayor and elected leaders, and community partners. MNPS is showing what is possible when a city believes in its public schools and stays focused on ensuring every student is known, supported, and prepared for success."

Dr. Gary Lilly, Executive Director of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, said the award reflects recognition from Battle's peers. "Dr. Battle is truly leading the region in the impact she is having on students in Nashville," Lilly said. "This award is a recognition from her peer superintendents in Mid-Cumberland of years' worth of innovation and service."

Melissa Jaggers, President and CEO of Alignment Nashville, also commented on the recognition. "Dr. Battle's leadership reflects the best of what is possible when schools, families, community partners, and civic leaders work together in support of students," Jaggers said. "Alignment Nashville exists to help bring those partners and resources together around the needs of MNPS students, and Dr. Battle's steady, student-centered leadership has created the conditions for meaningful collaboration, stronger outcomes, and a shared commitment to ensuring every student thrives."

Earlier in 2026, Battle received the Excellence in Family Engagement Award from AASA and the National PTA. In 2025, MNPS was named a Demonstration District by the National Alliance of Black School Educators. Battle also announced a partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to provide full-tuition scholarships under a University MNPS banner, building on existing partnerships with Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University, Fisk University, Nashville State Community College, TCAT Nashville, Trevecca Nazarene University, and Lipscomb University.