Superintendent Matthew Cooper announces retirement; Patrick Franklin named successor

Habersham County Superintendent Matthew Cooper announces retirement Tuesday, Jan. 14 (Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)

Habersham County School System Superintendent Matthew Cooper announced his retirement at a school board meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin was named to replace Cooper on April 1.

“It’s coming a little sooner than some expected,” Cooper said Tuesday. “…it’s my decision completely. I am retiring under good terms with this school board.”

Cooper, 53, has served as superintendent for 13 years and has a 30-year career in education.

Franklin, 43, has been assistant superintendent for nearly three years and has an extensive career in education.

“It’s an honor,” he said. “Mr. Cooper has done a lot, taking it to a new level, and I want to take it on for our community.”

Now Habersham will have more details on Cooper’s retirement tomorrow.