by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“I stand before you humbled. We’re going to progress. We’re going to move. We’re going to work together. It’s about unity,” said Dr. Cary Holman in response to the Franklin County School Board vote at the March 13 meeting selecting Holman as the new director of schools. Commenting on the large turnout at the meeting, Holman said, “Let this not be the only time we show up at board meetings. There is power in our unity.”

The board interviewed the three director-of-school candidates on Feb. 21 and Feb. 23. “All the candidates are very worthy,” said Board Chair Cleijo Walker, prior to the two-stage vote. In the first round of voting, board members indicated their top two choices, in no ranked order. Dr. Roger Alsup received six votes, Holman received seven votes, and Dr. Chris Treadway received three votes. In the second round of voting, between Alsup and Holman, Alsup received three votes and Holman received five.

Currently principal at LaVergne Middle School, Holman has five years teaching experience, 10 years as an assistant principal, and 20 years as a principal. Raised and educated in Franklin County, following college Holman returned to teach at Decherd Elementary, serve as North Middle School assistant principal, and principal at Clark Memorial Elementary, before moving on to administrative roles at other middle Tennessee schools. “I don’t look at things as problems, but opportunities,” Holman said during the board interview. An ardent supporter of listening and teamwork, Holman cited programs at LaVergne where “teachers’ voice set the precedent;” Project Feed which brought together community members, students, teachers, and staff to provide Thanksgiving dinner, over 15 years serving 15,000 meals; and LaVergne’s practice of holding social-emotional learning lessons every Monday and “teacher chats” which engage students in evaluating their progress and “celebrating small victories.” At the close of the interview, pointing out he was a Black male raised in a single parent home, Holman said, “Public education has worked for me … Franklin County worked for me. Why would I not want to come and work for Franklin County?”

Discussing contract negotiations, Vice Chair Lance Williams said salaries in other middle Tennessee districts ranged from $105,000-$177,000, with Franklin County’s current salary at $123,000. Holman currently earns $128,000. “We all know raises are coming,” said Walker. Williams projected, “Realistically, we’re probably looking at $140,000-$145,000 for salary.” In the past, Franklin County typically offered a three-year contract, Williams noted. He suggested the contract include a stipulation the director must repay the moving expenses allocation if the director left before the end of the contract, which occurred when Amie Lonas served as director of schools.

The board approved two resolutions. One resolution amended the Federal Projects budget, adding $60,000 for Career and Technical Education. Jenny Phillips, Franklin County Deputy Finance Director, explained the money came from unspent 2018 Federal Project funds “in a state pot.” The board also approved a six-year contract for a robot to line soccer, football, and baseball fields, cost $11,000 annually. Director of Schools Stanley Bean said the robot would “save on manpower, paint, and time.” The robot, guided by GPS, could line a soccer field in 18 minutes, compared to five hours doing the job manually, Bean stressed.

The board also approved the calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. On the recommendation of the Calendar Committee, the Aug. 2 abbreviated day was changed to Aug. 7 to coincide with homecoming.