Nash resigns as Discovery band director
Johnny Nash. (RECORD PHOTO)
MADISON – Johnny Nash, longtime director of bands at Discovery Middle School, submitted his resignation to the Madison Board of Education on July 25.
Dr. Dee Fowler, superintendent of Madison City Schools, released the following statement on July 26: “The Madison City Board of Education received the voluntary resignation of John Vardon ‘Johnny’ Nash today, pursuant to an agreement approved by the board at its regularly scheduled meeting.”
The school board had placed Johnny Nash on administrative leave in June 2012 after he allegedly violated Alabama’s mandatory reporting law. His son, Bradley Nash, 24 at the time, was arrested on charges of possession of child pornography.
On June 28, 2012, Madison Police Department stated that the Discovery administration contacted the department because of a possible inappropriate relationship between a 15-year-old female student and Bradley Nash, a volunteer with the band program.
School administrators immediately worked with Madison police officers and the female student’s parents, police said. The investigation determined that Johnny Nash was aware of the relationship but did not report the situation to authorities, as mandated by state law.
Bradley Nash pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, after investigators said they located evidence on his computer and cell phone at his home. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 29.
Johnny Nash established the band program at Discovery, when the school was founded after the school board divided the overcrowded student population at Liberty Middle School in the mid-1990s.
Under Nash’s direction, Discovery wind ensembles and concert bands consistently have won top honors and “Best in Class” honors at district and state competitions and at Walt Disney World. The Discovery Jazz Band has impressed audiences with its accomplishments in technique and performs at various engagements across North Alabama.
In 2011, Nash led Madison Jazz, primarily composed of Discovery Jazz Band alumni, on a three-week tour of China.
