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Residents urge action on Franklin school performance as council considers Ward 6 appointment
Summary
Public commenters told Franklin City Council the schools are failing and presented an analysis they said ranks the division last in the state; two candidates (Dr. Alvin Harris and John Olsbrook) were nominated for the Ward 6 school-board vacancy and council set an Oct. 6 vote.
Several Franklin residents used citizens time and a public hearing Sept. 22 to press the council on the school system's performance and to support different nominees for the Ward 6 vacancy.
Brandon Lily, who said he compiled a spreadsheet from Virginia Department of Education data, told council that Franklin ranked last statewide in the current accountability calculations: "Franklin is ranked last in the state for outcomes. Period," he said, and asked the council to consider those results when making appointments.
Pam Lee urged councilors to appoint John Olsbrook to the school board, saying the division needs leadership that will focus on students and financial stability. Multiple speakers at the public hearing later praised both Dr. Alvin Harris and John Olsbrook for ties to Franklin and for experience with youth programs; supporters emphasized different priorities—rebuilding classroom supports and advocating for structural change, respectively.
Council announced it will take the Ward 6 appointment at its Oct. 6 regular meeting. The public hearing produced several community statements but no immediate policy action; councilors said they had reviewed emailed materials and would weigh public input when they vote.
