Updated with additional details.

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The four top administrators at New Providence Middle School were removed from their positions this week for their behavior during a basketball game at the school this month. According to a notice sent to parents, the administrators did not attend the game, as one was supposed to do, but instead were consuming alcohol at a restaurant and then returned to the school building under the influence, while the game was in session.

Letters of reprimand obtained by Clarksville Now indicate that the administrators who were removed are Principal Richard Frost and Assistant Principals Megan Groene, Taylor Massie and Kelli Lorton. Lorton also held the position of athletic director. Massie was the one who had been assigned to attend the 4:30 p.m. game.

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All four were suspended for one day and will be reassigned to teaching positions within CMCSS. Clarksville Now has attempted to reach all four administrators.

According to the letters of reprimand, the administrators left the school and went to a local restaurant, having dinner and drinking alcohol for about four hours.

While they were gone, employees at the game tried to find Massie. “Employees at the game reached out to inquire about an administrator being present due to incidents possibly requiring intervention and assistance,” the reprimand for Frost stated.

The four then returned to the school building at about 8 p.m. and interacted with students, employees and others who were still present for the game, the reprimands said. Their reprimands also include reports of driving over a curb, honking a car horn in the parking lot, slurred speech and handling concession stand money.

As previously reported, the four were assigned to an alternative worksites last week during the investigation.

The following was sent to all New Providence families on Tuesday by Dr. Schanda Doughty, CMCSS Chief Academic Officer, who, along with Matt Slight, was assigned to lead the school temporarily:

“We are reaching out to follow up on the internal investigation of school administrators to share what occurred and the steps CMCSS is taking to address the concerns. As we shared in our last communication, we know it was frustrating to get the news without details on the nature of the investigation. However, all employees are afforded due process, and we must ensure there is a thorough investigation of all concerns and allegations to provide accurate information to families and the community.

“On November 16, Human Resources was contacted regarding a concern with the administration at New Providence Middle School following basketball games on November 9 hosted at NPMS. Although an administrator was assigned to attend the game, no administrator was present. It was also reported that later in the evening, all four NPMS administrators returned to the building while the game was still in session, and based on interactions with others, there were allegations of the administrators having consumed alcohol and/or being under the influence of alcohol. Based upon this information, the Human Resources Department immediately began investigating the concerns and placed school administrators on alternative worksites, pending the outcome of the investigation. During the investigation, multiple witnesses came forward with statements, and Human Resources was able to obtain additional evidence. From these witness statements, interviews with the school administrators, and additional evidence, District leadership will be removing the current leadership at New Providence Middle effective immediately due to conduct unbecoming of educators, consuming alcohol prior to returning to school property and in the presence of students on campus, and neglect of duty. As building administrators, their responsibility is to ensure student safety is a top priority. Dr. (Jean) Luna-Vedder and District leadership feel strongly that administrators are expected to serve with the utmost professionalism and integrity and must be held accountable for their actions.

“The principal and three assistant principal positions will be posted this afternoon, and we will be working to identify excellent candidates to lead New Providence. Until new leadership is selected, Mr. (Matt) Slight and I, with support from other Instructional leaders, will continue serving as your interim administrative team.

“These have been difficult days for the entire New Providence community. However, the actions of a few do not define New Providence Middle School. The faculty and staff at New Providence remain committed to providing consistency and stability for students, and through their expertise, passion for children, professionalism, and empathy, we will get through this difficult time and ensure all students are educated and empowered to reach their full potential.

“We hope all of our families have a wonderful Thanksgiving break, and we look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, November 27.”

Christian Brown contributed to this report.

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