Court Order Puts Schools Chief Back on Job

Classes may be almost out for the summer, but Inglewood schools Supt. McKinley Nash is back in school.

After being fired by the school board in April, Nash returned to his post on Monday as a result of a court ruling. He lost his job in April when three school board members--Gloria Gray, Dexter Henderson and Larry Aubry--voted to terminate his contract, citing a lack of confidence in his leadership skills. He had been on administrative leave since then.

But a temporary restraining order issued last week by a Superior Court judge not only enjoined the school board from hiring a new superintendent, but restrained it from keeping Nash on administrative leave, said Richard Schwab, an attorney representing Nash and the two school board members who back him.

The temporary restraining order expires June 18. At that time, Superior Court Judge Diane Wayne could decide whether or not to grant a preliminary injunction.

Nash, who was not available for comment, spent Tuesday visiting with school principals and classes.

“We are very happy that Dr. Nash came back,” said school board member Thomasina Reed, who supports Nash. “It is very important for our principals to interface with him before school is out.”