Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin has been named as Habersham County School System’s latest superintendent – replacing current Superintendent Matthew Cooper who announced his retirement on Jan. 14. Franklin will start in the new role on April 1.
“Several people asked me today: ‘Is this bitter-sweet?’ No, it’s not bitter-sweet. it’s sweet,” Cooper said. “I’ve had a wonderful career as superintendent for 13 years. Habersham County has been very good to me. I’m happy for Mr. Franklin, and I’m happy for this school system – that he is going to be the new superintendent. He will do a fantastic job. He is ready for this, and he’s up for the task.”
Following the special called meeting Wednesday, Franklin said he’s eager to continue to build on the success created by Cooper.
“We have a wonderful community here in Habersham,” Franklin said. “We’ve built a wonderful school system, and we just want to keep it going. I appreciate support from board members, families I’ve gotten to know over the years – the emails and texts and calls I’ve gotten the last two weeks. I’m really excited.”
Now Habersham has requested the salaries of Cooper and Franklin as well as Franklin’s new contract, which was approved after an executive session by school board members on Wednesday evening.
