Residents, educators press Franklin City Council for answers after high school principal reassigned

Dozens of parents, teachers and former colleagues urged the Franklin City Council on Feb. 24 to press the school board for answers after Franklin High School’s principal was reassigned, and several speakers said students and staff have been harmed by district decisions.

The public forum focused on the reassignment and on an incentive program some speakers said allowed students to skip class periods and use personal phones. Carrie Johnson, a former school board member, said Franklin High School principal Travis — identified in public comments with several spellings — met his performance standards and that removing a principal midyear harms students and teachers. “Research shows that removing a high school principal in the middle of the year hurts students, causes teachers to leave, and creates chaos in schools,” Johnson said.

Why it matters: Speakers said the principal’s reassignment has shaken trust in school leadership and could affect student learning and community recruitment. Several speakers urged the city council to call the school board to account or convene a joint meeting so elected officials and parents can obtain direct answers.

Speakers at citizens time described the principal as a…