Following an official vote during Monday’s board meeting, the Franklin County Board of Education is proud to announce that Dr. Roger D. Alsup has been appointed as the next Director of Schools, effective July 1, 2026.

Dr. Alsup, who currently serves as the district’s Deputy Director of Schools and Human Resources Supervisor, will succeed Dr. Holman, who is concluding his tenure at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.

Board Chair Cleijo Walker cited Dr. Alsup’s deep ties to the community and his proven track record of academic improvement as key factors in the Board’s decision. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Alsup as our next Director of Schools. Dr. Alsup has been in our system for the last ten years and he and his family are embedded in our community. He has served as an administrator, Human Resources Supervisor, and Deputy Director of Schools. Dr. Alsup is familiar with the schools in our system, our teachers and staff, and is well versed in all aspects of the Franklin County School System. He has had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Holman for the last two years and the transition to Director should be a smooth one. I look forward to working with Dr. Alsup as we fulfill our commitment to making our schools better and better!

Dr. Alsup’s career in Franklin County is marked by significant achievements. As Principal of Franklin County High School (2016–2024), he was named the 2021 Franklin County Principal of the Year. Under his leadership, the school’s TVAAS composite score rose from a Level 1 to a Level 5, and chronic absenteeism was reduced by over 4 percent. He also spearheaded critical safety enhancements, including the installation of controlled access entries and the implementation of active shooter tabletop exercises with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

“I am truly honored to step into the role of Director of Schools for Franklin County,” said Dr. Alsup. “Having served this district as both a principal and deputy director, I have seen firsthand the incredible heart our teachers put into their work and the unlimited potential of our students. My focus remains clear: keeping our schools safe and ensuring Franklin County continues the push in academic achievement.”

Beyond his work in Tennessee, Dr. Alsup brings a wealth of leadership from his time in Missouri and his service as a Major in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he earned a Bronze Star for his role in the reconstruction of Fallujah, Iraq. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University.

Outgoing Director Dr. Holman expressed his support for the transition, stating “I am extremely excited to know that the board has really taken the time to really recognize the work, the leadership, the commitment and the character of Dr. Alsup, and I am excited to see how he will continue to move the district forward. Congratulations immensely to Dr. Alsup on being named as the next director of schools for the Franklin County School District.”

Dr. Alsup will spend the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year working closely with Dr. Holman and the Board of Education to ensure a seamless transition of leadership for the students, faculty, and families of Franklin County.