October 15, 2026

CISTN Celebrates MNPS and Jackson Financial at All In For Kids Breakfast

Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) was proud to recognize two longstanding partners at our annual All In For Kids Breakfast: Dr. Battle, Superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and Jackson Financial.

The breakfast brought together educators, community leaders, partners and supporters who share a commitment to helping Tennessee students overcome barriers to learning, stay engaged in school and prepare for what comes next. Proceeds from the event support CISTN’s school-based work across the state. Throughout the morning, guests celebrated the power of trusted relationships in students’ lives.

Honoring Metro Nashville Public Schools

Dr. Adrienne Battle, superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools, received the Alice Chapman Advocacy Award in recognition of her leadership and MNPS’ longstanding partnership with CISTN.

Named for CISTN founding task force member and former board chair Alice Chapman, the award honors advocates who create meaningful opportunities for students and help strengthen support for schools and families.

CISTN and MNPS began their partnership with a three-school pilot during the 2012–13 school year. Today, that partnership has grown to 24 MNPS schools, where CISTN anticipates serving more than 10,500 students this school year. Since the partnership began, CISTN has served more than 75,000 MNPS students.

In the fall of 2023, under Dr Battle's leadership, MNPS and Communities in Schools took the next step in our partnership, expanding the work across all seven schools in the Maplewood

Cluster. The cluster model creates a continuum of support, helping students and families maintain access to relationships and resources as students move from elementary school to middle school and high school.

All seven Maplewood Cluster schools have lowered chronic absenteeism over the past three years. For a cluster serving more than 11,000 students, that progress means hundreds more young people are spending valuable time in school, learning, building relationships and preparing for their futures.

Recognizing Jackson’s Philanthropic Commitment

Jackson received the All In For Kids Award, which recognizes a CISTN supporter whose generosity, engagement and commitment have made a meaningful difference for Tennessee students and families.

Since 2016, Jackson has contributed more than $285,000 to CISTN. Its partnership extends well beyond financial support, with associates participating in financial literacy activities, family engagement events and hands-on service projects.

Over the past three years, Jackson employees have assembled more than 5,000 basic-needs kits for students through the company’s annual sales meeting service project. Jackson has also engaged hundreds of volunteers in Snack Pack stuffing events that provide food for students experiencing food insecurity.

This school year, CISTN will serve nearly 35,000 students in 71 schools across Tennessee. We are grateful to MNPS, Jackson Financial and every partner who helps ensure students have the support, resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

During the breakfast, guests also enjoyed a performance of “Marching Into Greatness” by the 2026 MNPS Songwriting Summit Troupe, under the direction of Dee Hammonds.

Learn more about Communities In Schools of Tennessee at cistn.org.

Meredith Benton (CISTN CEO), Dr. Adrienne Battle, Tiffany Patton (CISTN CPO), and Melissa Huschke (COO of Delta Dental of Tennessee).