Board, mayor may have showdown over control of Nashville schools

Board members in the Metro Nashville district are positioning themselves for a possible showdown with the city's mayor for control of public schools. The board is considering whether to stop using Metro Legal Department lawyers, who report to the mayor, and hire an independent lawyer to advise school officials on takeover issues. Mayor Karl Dean has said that he is preparing for a takeover should the district again fail to meet academic requirements under state law. The district is partially controlled by the state because of failing test scores and is without a director of schools.