Franklin County Board honors teachers, principal and student delegates

The Franklin County Board of Education on Monday recognized several teachers, a principal and district staff for classroom and leadership achievements, and honored four students who represented the district at the TSBA SCOPE student conference.

Members of the PENN Foundation and school leaders presented novice-teacher awards and district teacher awards. Dr. Tom Smith of the PENN Foundation said the group has refocused on supporting new teachers and children at risk, adding that the foundation’s priorities are “to help children at risk and make this community a more learned and better workforce.”

The board and foundation recognized novice-teacher winners including April Green (Cowan Elementary), Claire Henderson (North Middle School) and Andrea Morris (Franklin County High School CTE program). Teachers of the year included Caitlin Williams and Carla Avalos; veteran educator Karen Matthews was also recognized. Dr. Barbara King was named principal of the year and Rachel Shrum was named supervisor of the year.

In a related celebration the board recognized four Franklin County students who attended the Student Congress on Policy in Education (SCOPE) at Belmont University: Yoselin Nogues, Lily Sanson, Spencer Garner and Lucas Stevens. Students said the conference improved their public speaking, debate skills and understanding of school governance; Yoselin Nogues told the board the experience showed her “school board meetings aren’t just topics that don’t pertain to me” and helped her consider future careers involving debate.

Board members said the recognitions highlight community partnerships and the district’s investment in teacher retention and student leadership. No formal actions were required for the awards; the presentations were accepted as part of the meeting’s agenda.

The board’s next regular business includes a budget workshop scheduled for next Monday at 6:00 p.m.