Announcing the Position of Superintendent of Schools

For

Franklin County School System

“Preparing Students for the Challenges of Tomorrow”

The Franklin County Board of Education is seeking candidates for the position of Superintendent of Schools. Applications should be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on March 17, 2019. See Application Process for more details.

The School System

System Enrollment:  3,620

School Budget:  $35.9 Million                                   

Staff:   561     

              Professional/Certified:  316

              Classified:  245

Number of Schools: 

  Elementary (PK-5)     3

  Middle (6-8)                1

  High (9-12)                  1

  Alternative (6-12)       1
 

The Mission of the Franklin County School System is to educate and prepare all students to live and work successfully in a dynamic and challenging world.

The following are some of the highlights of the system:

• Trusting, collaborative environment at all levels of leadership in support of the district purpose and mission.
• A graduation rate above 89%.
• Accredited by AdvancED
• Professional learning communities are prevalent throughout the school district.
• Utilizing the 7 Mindsets – a Social Emotional Approach to Living and Learning Program
• SPLOST elections have passed by significant margins
• Numerous awards in Technology Student Association
• Strong commitment to making technology available to all our students and teachers
• Regionally recognized athletic programs
• Coming Soon: Franklin County College and Career Academy

For more information, visit the Franklin County Schools website by clicking here.
 

Qualifications

The Superintendent of Schools serves as the chief executive officer of the school system and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all board policies, Georgia Board of Education rules and regulations, and state and federal laws. Candidates will be evaluated on their professional merits, with emphasis on the following criteria:

Required:

• Possession of a specialist degree (Ed.S.) and holds or be eligible for a Georgia Leadership Certificate
  at the L-6 level. Certificate number or letter of eligibility from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, as verification of such eligibility, must be provided. GA certification information is available from the Division of Certification, Georgia Professional Standards Commission,
  200 Piedmont Ave., Suite 1702, Atlanta, GA 30334; 800-869-7775 or www.gapsc.com.
• Of good moral character; not convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, as required by GA
  law; possession of high standards of ethical and moral conduct and that s/he promote the success
  of all students by adhering to ethical principles and professional norms.
• Has no immediate family members serving on the Franklin County Board of Education or employed
  as an administrator in the school district after July 1, 2009, as required by GA law.
• A documented history of successful experience achieved through a combination of professional expertise achieved through service in roles of increased responsibility over time.
• Promotes a visionary agenda that anticipates educational challenges and addresses strategic priorities and mission and demonstrates priority commitment to students, staff members and school leaders with evidence that all work is student focused.
• Possesses strong instructional foundation and demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of current research-based practices in teaching and learning, instructional administration, techniques and programs that enhance instructional capacity and maximizes student learning.
• Evidence of a global understanding of the management of facilities, transportation, nutrition, technology, Human Resources and budgeting facets of district operations.
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with individuals and groups, both internally and externally, demonstrating value for diverse opinions and experiences, including those resistant to change.
• A demonstrated knowledge of current educational programs and best practice.
• Evidence of the ability to provide leadership for the Board of Education to aid their understanding of the “team governance model” and the separation of authority of the board and superintendent.

Preferred:

• Possession of a terminal degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) and holds or is eligible for a Georgia Leadership Certificate at Level 7.
• Experience in Georgia and/or the southeast region.
• A willingness to reside in Franklin County.
• Evidence of a high level of effectiveness in the following personal qualities: Judgement, Values, Conflict Management, Organizational Ability, Fit for the Position/Community, and Emotional Intelligence

Salary and Benefits 
A negotiated compensation arrangement with a mix of salary and benefits.

The Board of Education

     The Franklin County Board of Education consists of five members:

• Robin Cato, Chair - 8 years of service
• JoBeth James, Vice Chair - 2 years of service
• Eric Burrell - 2 years of service                                                          
• Randall Gailey - first year of service
• Alan Mitchell- 4 years of service

Application Process

Applicants should not contact the Franklin County Board of Education directly. Information, including the link to the online application, is available at GSBA’s website: gsba.com/member-services/superintendent-search-service/

You can reach GSBA at (770) 962-2985, or (800) 226-1856. To be considered, the completed file must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. on March 17, 2019.

Do not mail any materials to GSBA or the school district.  Any documents should be uploaded in the spaces provided in the online application. This includes:

• a formal letter of application
• a resume that lists three references
• a copy of college transcript(s)
• any letters of recommendation
• any certificates and supplemental material

The Community                         

Located in the northeast part of Georgia along the I-85 corridor, Franklin County boasts a rich history and culture.  Named after Benjamin Franklin, the county offers both recreational and commercial opportunities with its proximity to Lake Hartwell, Tugaloo State Park, and Victoria Bryant State Park. Residents have access to a new state-of-the-art hospital, a branch of national ranked St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens.

Carnesville, the county seat, is recognized in the National Register of Historic Places for its beautiful architecture.  Of note is the Franklin County Courthouse built in 1906 in a new-classical style. Cromer’s Mill Covered Bridge is one of only a few covered bridges remaining in the state.  Other cities and towns include Lavonia on Lake Hartwell; Royston, home of baseball great, Ty Cobb, as well as the Ty Cobb museum, Canon, home to the Franklin/Hart public airport, and Franklin Springs, home of Emmanuel College.  Noted residents of the county include former Georgia Governor Ernest Vandiver.  Lavonia is home to the Lavonia Carnegie Library built in 1911 with funding support from Andrew Carnegie. Highland Walk Golf Course, one of the most beautiful 18-hole golf courses in Northeast Georgia, is located near Franklin Springs.

Emmanuel College, a 4-year Christian liberal arts college, celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year, is a great resource and partner to the school district, offering co-enrollment options for student and student teachers.  The campus boasts a state-of-the-art basketball arena, workout facility, bowling alley, as well as an indoor collegiate swimming facility which offers community memberships. 

North Georgia Technical College’s Currahee Campus is just 20 minutes from the county seat, the University
of Georgia is 45 minutes south and Clemson University is 45 minutes to the northeast of Franklin County.

Agriculture is a large part of the county’s footprint here in the State of Georgia. Broilers are the #1 export
from Franklin County. In addition, Franklin County is home to the State of Georgia’s largest cattle sell barn.

Franklin Community Players, a local drama group, partners with the school district’s award-winning drama department in offering quality productions.  The district’s excellent fine arts center provides an ideal venue.

The school district enjoys strong community support via a long-standing and very successful partnership
with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, numerous booster clubs and other public and private support groups.

Notice of Disclosure: 

At least 14 calendar days prior to the meeting at which final action or vote is to be taken on the position of superintendent, all documents concerning as many as three persons under consideration whom the board has determined to be the best qualified for the position shall be subject to inspection and copying. The board can vote on the appointment at any time after the 14-day period.