The Stephens County Board of Education has named Dr. Connie Franklin as the sole finalist for the position of Superintendent of Stephens County Schools. The Board voted unanimously to hire Franklin during a called meeting Monday night, December 13.
Franklin, who currently serves as principal of Habersham Ninth Grade Academy in Mt. Airy, is expected to assume the superintendent’s job in Stephens County after a 14-day public notice period.
“After reviewing applications and interviewing a number of excellent candidates, the
Stephens County Board of Education determined that Dr. Connie Franklin is the best applicant for the position of Superintendent,” says Stephens County Schools Human Resources Director John Stith.
The Board selected Dr. Franklin from among a pool of 15 applicants from across Georgia and around the United States.
MORE: HNGA expected to name new principal in January
‘A great honor’
Franklin calls being named the sole finalist “a great honor” and says she appreciates the Stephens County School Board’s professionalism during the process.
“Pending final approval, I look forward to serving the amazing students, staff members, and families of Stephens County,” Dr. Franklin says. “I am excited about this tremendous opportunity and delighted to be joining the great team of educators here in Stephens County. My husband and I look forward to becoming a part of this wonderful community.”
The Stephens County school board has been searching for a new superintendent since August after abruptly firing Dr. Daniel Oldham from the job. At the time, the Board expressed its desire to “go in a different direction.”
Stith explains the Board “devoted a great deal of effort and time to the Superintendent search and followed a structured and deliberate process. In making its decision, the Board considered the skills of each applicant and the applicant’s leadership style in combination with the needs of the system,” he says.
The Board also considered each applicant’s potential and previously demonstrated ability to unify the school community, to work collaboratively with all employees, and commitment to important measures for student achievement such as graduation rates and career and college readiness.
“The Board specifically sought a Superintendent who would work with all elements of the community and school system to establish goals and lead the school system to achieve those goals over time,” Stith says.
25 years in public education
Dr. Franklin has 18 years of educational leadership experience. She has been the principal at HNGA for nine years. Before that, she served as a middle school principal for seven years, and two years as assistant principal. This is her 25th year in public education.
Franklin earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mobile Alabama, a master’s from the University of South Alabama, a specialist degree from Piedmont University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.
She is married to Mike Franklin, pastor of the Torch Worship Center in Demorest. The couple has three children and six grandchildren.
