After more than a decade at the helm of the Habersham County School System, Superintendent Matthew 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.
Assistant Superintendent Patrick Franklin was named to replace Cooper on April 1.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Cooper spoke at length of his decision to retire a year before his contract is set to expire.
“It’s coming a little sooner than some expected,” Cooper said Tuesday. “…it’s my decision completely. I am retiring on good terms with this school board. This has been the best school board I’ve ever worked with. I really believe we have one of best boards in the state. There is plenty of evidence to back that up.”
Cooper went on to say that he believes he’s accomplished the three goals he’d strived to meet when he became superintendent:
- Establishing Habersham County as “the best in Northeast Georgia.”
- Becoming the longest serving superintendent in Habersham’s history – beginning with his career as a history teacher. Cooper achieved that accomplished in August.
- Last, to have 30 years of experience in education.
Cooper concluded with an expression of gratitude to teachers and students throughout the school system.
During the approval of his retirement, Cooper heard praise across the board.
“It’s been very good working with you, Mr. Cooper,” said board member Russ Nelson, who was approved to replace Doug Westmoreland as chairman at the start of the meeting.
“I think the leadership (Cooper) has provided for the school system is outstanding – it’s obvious…if you could ever ride off into the sunset at the top of your game, you’re doing it at the right time.”
Darlene Hudson, a member of Habersham County’s Board of Education, seconded Nelson’s sentiment and referenced the many years she’s worked alongside Cooper.
“I am so thankful to have been a principal under your leadership since the beginning,” Hudson said. “You’ve always greatly encouraged and supported me, so thank you.”
In recognition of Cooper’s contributions, Westmoreland noted the institution of the Success Academy, which he described as an educational foundation for all students and their success over the years.
“You and I, together, campaigned that Success Academy, and I look over the years (since) that has been implement and I look at how many students we’ve saved with a diploma that would not have graduated,” Westmoreland said.
Replacing Cooper is Franklin, 43, an educator who has been assistant superintendent for nearly three years and has an 20-year career in various school system roles.
Franklin will assume Cooper’s position on April 1, given contractual negotiations between Franklin and officials are agreeable.
Nelson addressed those who may question why no applications were taken nor other candidates interviewed before Franklin’s seemingly natural selection.
“I believe that this is our succession plan,” he said. “I’m a firm believer, if you had an assistant superintendent that could not be your superintendent, you should’ve fired him…but is (Franklin) capable of doing the job? Absolutely.”
Cooper also expressed confidence in Franklin Tuesday.
“I endorse our future superintendent, Mr. Patrick Franklin,” Cooper said. “He has been so loyal to me, so loyal to this school system. He’s the hardest working man in the business. He’s a servant leader.”
Franklin told Now Habersham that he feels ready for the new role following the meeting.
“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.”
School officials have not yet announced a candidate for Franklin’s replacement.
This article was updated to specify Superintendent Matthew Cooper and Board Member Doug Westmoreland instituted the Success Academy.
