by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“Thank you for your confidence. What an honor to lead Franklin County School District,” said Human Resources Supervisor Roger Alsup in response to the unanimous vote electing him to serve as the Director of Schools at the Feb. 9 Franklin County School Board meeting. “Dr. Holman, thank you for your support and encouragement,” Alsup added. “We talked about this many times.” In October, Director of School Cary Holman informed the board in a letter he would not seek contract renewal in June when his three-year contract expired.

“I am looking forward to returning home to be with my family,” Holman said when asked about his reason for not seeking contract renewal.

“His wife and son are still in Murfreesboro. His son is in the eighth grade,” observed board member Sarah Marhevsky, speculating on Holman’s decision. “I think a big part of it is his working far from his family during his son’s formative years.”

There was some discussion among the board members about interviewing candidates for the director role. “There are multiple director of schools spots open in the surrounding areas,” Marhevsky said. “Apparently the time people stay in the role is much shorter than it used to be.”

Alsup was among the three candidates interviewed for the director of school’s position in February 2023. In the final round of ranked choice voting, Alsup received three votes and Holman received five. Alsup served as principal at Franklin County High School for eight years and in March of 2024 assumed the administrative role of Human Resources Supervisor for the Franklin County School District’s central office.

Contrary to rumor, Holman has not accepted a position with the Rutherford County Schools at the present. Holman will continue as Franklin County Director of Schools until June.

Another startling mid-year leadership change saw Megan Geer removed from her role as Decherd Elementary School principal. Parents and grandparents of Decherd Elementary School children spoke out at the board meeting objecting to the decision.

All of those who commented spoke in Geers’ behalf taking issue with removing her from her role as principal midyear. “My grandson cried,” said Decherd PTO President Johnny Berber. “What is the urgency?” asked Jasmine Dawn Moseley who praised Geer for reassuring her son would not be bullied as an RTI student. “She was right. My son is in the top of his class now and thriving.” “There is no trust. It’s an environment of uncertainty,” complained another grandparent. “The decision should not have been left up to one person.”

“I appreciate you coming and talking,” said Board Chair CleiJo Walker. “But personnel issues fall solely on the office of the director. As far as us being able to do anything about that, we can’t.”

“The Franklin County School District has decided to take a different direction in leadership at Decherd Elementary School,” Holman said when asked about the reason for removing Geer from her role as principal. “I don’t think there was anything wrong as far as I know,” Marhevsky said. “It was just an administrative shift.” Geer was transferred to Cowan Elementary School with her position listed as “federal teacher,” meaning a federally funded position as distinct from most teaching positions which are state or county funded. Decherd Elementary Assistant Principal Shaunna Fortier will serve as interim principal for the remainder of the school year.