From "2601 Bransford Ave. ▪ Nashville, TN 37204 615/259-8487 ▪ Fax: 615/214-4480 Sharon Dixon Gentry, EdD, Chair Anna Shepherd, Vice Chair Dr. Jo Ann Brannon Amy Frogge Tyese Hunter Elissa Kim Mary Pierce Will Pinkston Jill Speering December 30, 2015 Mark S. Swann Metropolitan Auditor Office of Internal Audit 404 James Robertson Parkway Suite 190 Nashville, TN 37219 Dear Mr. Swann; As you may know, NewsChannel 5 (WTVF-TV) has aired a series of reports surfacing allegations involving end-of-course (EOC) assessments in MNPS high schools and other grading practices in our schools. In the interest of maintaining public confidence in the school system, we believe an independent analysis is needed to examine the allegations reported during the NewsChannel 5 series. To that end, we are requesting that you assign auditors to examine the situation and make recommendations, if needed, to the Board and management. At first blush, we think engaging McConnell, Jones, Lanier & Murphy for a short-term engagement would be a logical next-step, given their familiarity and previous experiences with the district. However, we are certainly open to other ideas and approaches. The Metropolitan Board of Education has three responsibilities – establishing a budget; setting policy; and monitoring the performance of the district against both the budget and said policies. Having confidence in and clarity around the data allows us to carry out those responsibilities with fidelity. If a short-term analysis can help provide that, then we welcome the opportunity and believe it is in the best interests of our school system, its teachers and students, and the community at large. We appreciate your consideration of this request Sincerely, Sharon Dixon Gentry, EdD WWW.MNPS.ORG