Franklin Special District highlights student artwork and national finalists, mayor proclaims School Board Appreciation Week
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Summary
The board recognized student artists from Liberty Elementary, celebrated staff finalists for state and national awards (including Dr. Mary Decker and Selby Glass), and accepted a proclamation from Mayor Ken Moore designating Jan. 25–31, 2026, as School Board Appreciation Week.
The Franklin Special District opened its January meeting with brief recognitions: student artists Annie Nichols (December) and Natalia Rodriguez Aldania (January) of Liberty Elementary were presented and their printmaking work will be on view at the Central Office Gallery.
Trustees also honored Dr. Mary Decker, associate director of schools for teaching and learning, who was announced as a national finalist in the Central Office Principal category for the 2026 Women in School Leadership awards presented by AASA and Horace Mann Educators Corporation. Dr. Decker’s national recognition was described as reflecting district instructional leadership and data-informed practices.
Dr. Decker and Dr. Snowden highlighted district staff achievements as well: Selby Glass, the district’s safety and attendance supervisor, is one of two state finalists for the Tennessee RISE Award honoring exemplary classified school employees. Matlock and others noted statewide recognition events and national selection timelines.
Mayor Ken Moore presented a proclamation recognizing School Board Appreciation Week (Jan. 25–31, 2026) and praised the district’s civic-engagement work, including student involvement in the Healthy Democracy Project. The board accepted the proclamation and members noted upcoming school visits and appreciation activities.
District announcements in the director’s report included 2024–25 state report-card recognitions (exemplary district status and multiple A/B graded schools), spring open houses on Feb. 27, registration opening March 2 for the 2026–27 school year, the out-of-zone application window Feb. 16–Mar. 19, an online ethics-statement filing deadline of Jan. 31, and a retiree Valentine’s Day brunch on Feb. 11 at Liberty Elementary.