The 2025 Positive Schools Conference, a cornerstone event for Metro Nashville Public Schools educators and professionals, took place on July 17, 2025, at James Lawson High School. This year’s conference drew in more than 330 attendees, presenters, exhibitors, volunteers, and MNPS leadership.
The event kicked off with an inspiring keynote address from motivational speaker Jonathan Grant Brown. Throughout the day, attendees participated in a variety of workshops and breakout sessions, all aimed at building and enhancing a positive school culture in each school building across the district. The diverse range of topics ensured that there was something valuable for everyone, from teachers and administrators to counselors and support staff.
The day ended with a panel featuring the 2025 Positive Schools Award winners. These awards recognized outstanding contributions to positive schools within the MNPS community. The award winners, celebrated for their dedication and innovative practices, include:
Community Partner winner = Metro Nashville Police Department
Department winner = Advanced Academics Department
High School winner = Cane Ridge High School
Middle School winner = Isaac Litton Middle School
Elementary School winner = Old Center Elementary School
Non-Traditional School winner = The Academy at Hickory Hollow
Navigator Award High School winner = James Lawson High School
Navigator Award Middle School winner = H.G. Hill Middle School
Navigator Award Elementary School winner = Dan Mills Elementary School
Overall Navigator School winner = McMurray Middle School
Dr. Jaime Lomax, MNPS, Co-Chair
Rodger Dinwiddie, STARS Nashville, Co-Chair
Kathy Gracey, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Inta Sanford, MNPS
Dr. Simyka Carlton, MNPS
Tracy Glascoe, Vanderbilt Behavioral Health
Heather Chalos, Alignment Nashville
Morgan Tubbs, Alignment Nashville