NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The central office for Metro Schools is undergoing a major shakeup. The District is shifting over 100 jobs out of the front office and into schools. It's a move that gives some principals new authority in decisions including hiring, firing and spending. On Wednesday, Dr. Jesse Register outlined sweeping changes at the school district's central office.

"The move here is to become less bureaucratic, at the central office, less top down management and more school based autonomy," says Dr. Register.

A cornerstone of the plan includes principals like Robin Wall of McGavock High School. Wall is one of 9 LEAD principals. He'll oversee operations at McGavock High School, plus 5 feeder schools.

"The schools I'm going to be working with are the feeder schools to my high school," says Wall. "It's good, I'm going to be able to walk into those campuses and see students I'm going to be getting in 2 or 3 years down the road and an opportunity to work with principals to see what they're teaching their students."

The LEAD principals have the final say over hiring, firing and spending at their schools.

"Decentralization means autonomy and flexibility in staffing and budget," says Dr. Register. "Our principals will be able to select their own teachers and assistant principals."

At the central office, 6 instead of 12 managers will report directly to Dr. Register. The Metro Council's Education Committee believes the district should have conducted a nationwide search for its new Chief Academic Officer. The new position goes to Jay Steele, the district's former Associate Supervisor for High Schools.

"If the best is right here all the better, but we don't know if we don't ask and we're not asking that question," says Metro Councilman Emily Davis.

"I have to prove myself to people and I wish people would support the school system instead of constantly trying to tear it down," says Steele. "There are a lot of great people doing incredible things in these schools."

Dr. Register believes the central office shakeup will bring more people and resources out of Bransford Avenue and into schools where they're needed. Dr. Register says changes at the central office won't be complete until July. To hear more of his interview and questions from today's press briefing, check back with us later. We will post it on our Home Page.New Plan to Empower Principals at Metro Schools- Erika Lathon