Four Clarksville principals fired, accused of being drunk at school basketball game

Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read
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A principal and three assistant principals at Clarksville's New Providence Middle School have been fired by the district after school officials said they were drunk during a basketball game on campus.

The four administrators, identified as New Providence Middle School Principal Richard Frost and Assistant Principals Taylor Massie, Megan Groene and Kelli Lorton, were named by the district in letters of reprimand.

They were supposed to attend the school basketball game on Nov. 9, but they were late that night, the district said.

The administrators were placed on alternative worksites after human resources launched an internal investigation on Nov. 16, a release from the district said.

During the probe, the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System gathered witness statements and other evidence and determined the administrators drank alcohol before they entered the school on Nov. 9, the release said.

They were fired from their positions for conduct unbecoming of an educator, the release said.

In Frost's letter of reprimand, he was accused of attending a dinner at a local restaurant for four hours while he and the other administrators were supposed to be present the game.

"You confirmed you consumed alcoholic beverages while at dinner, before returning to the school building," Frost's letter said.

"As principal, it is your duty to lead, develop and be an example for the assistant principals. With your admitted conduct, you failed to perform this duty."

Groene's letter of reprimand said another person from the group drove her vehicle back to the school over concerns about her ability to safely drive.

A School Resource Officer said Groene had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol that night.

New Providence Middle School is currently under the leadership of Chief Academic Officer Schanda Doughty, the district said.

The four administrative job openings were posted by the district Tuesday afternoon.

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Four Middle Tennessee principals fired after school intoxication probe