Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin will replace Superintendent Matthew Cooper on Thursday, March 13. And, on Monday, in what is essentially his first official action in the role, Franklin named a new principal to replace Ninth Grade Academy Principal David Leenman – who will replace Franklin as assistant superintendent.
The two announcements came at a regular meeting among Habersham County’s Board of Education Monday, March 10.
Cooper’s last day would’ve been March 31, but the longtime superintendent plans to take the remainder of his vacation time before retirement.
After more than a decade at the helm of the Habersham County School System, Cooper announced his retirement at a school board meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Cooper, 53, has served as superintendent for 13 years and has a 30-year career in education. He was a teacher for seven years, a vice principal for three years and a principal for another seven years before he became superintendent in 2012.
As superintendent, Franklin will receive an annual salary of $180,000, according to Chief Financial Officer Stacy Newsome. His salary as assistant superintendent was $147,702.
The decision to hire Franklin, 43, came after no other candidates were interviewed for the position – nor was the job advertised to potential applicants. Franklin has served as assistant superintendent for nearly three years and has a 20-year career in various school system roles as an educator.
Cooper was paid just over $208,900.
Board members and Cooper have expressed confidence that Franklin is an ideal fit for the job since the announcement.
Ninth Grade Academy
With Leenman replacing Franklin in the coming months, current Ninth Grade Academy Assistant Principal Marie Waters has been selected to fill the soon-to-be vacant slot of principal.
“(Waters) has done an excellent job at Ninth Grade Academy,” Franklin said. “I think a key to our success is our wonderful Ninth Grade Academy and our leadership there. Mrs. Waters will be able to carry that on seamlessly at the school.”
Waters has been assistant principal of Ninth Grade Academy for two years.
With 20-plus years in education, Waters began her career at West Hall Middle School in Hall County before she went on to Georgia Cyber Academy.
Waters continued her career as a teacher at Baldwin Elementary School before she was later promoted to assistant principal at Habersham County’s Ninth Grade Academy.
“I’m so thankful to the board,” Waters said after the meeting Monday. “I’m just so humbled and honored to be in this position.”
