Franklin County Schools hires Scott, Mitchell as principals
With the recent retirements of Myra Frederick, principal at Belgreen, and Kenny Sparks, principal at Red Bay, new leadership was a pressing need at these two Franklin County Schools. That need has been filled with the hiring of two new principals yesterday.
At its Franklin County Board of Education meeting Tuesday, the board approved the hire of Ann Scott to the principal’s role at Belgreen and Lance Mitchell as principal at Red Bay.
Scott, who comes to Belgreen from the principal position at Tharptown Elementary School, was easily the best choice with her years of experience in the Franklin County Schools system, Superintendent Greg Hamilton said.
“The job that Ms. Scott has done at Tharptown Elementary was just phenomenal – the exploding population, the EL issues, the lack of facilities, and to still produce a product like she did at Tharptown – she stood out among the candidates,” Hamilton said. “When I have one of my own who has done something outstanding, I want to promote them.”
Both new hires reflect Hamilton’s stated dedication to promoting from within when possible. Mitchell, who will step into his new role after serving one year as Red Bay High assistant principal, will easily transition into the new role, Hamilton said.
“He knows Red Bay and the issues they have, both the good and the bad,” Hamilton said. “I think the transition will be smooth. He’ll be his own leader, and he’ll do things differently. We felt like his knowledge of the school, the kids and the faculty, would be an advantage for him.”
Scott, who was hired on a three-year contract, and Mitchell, who is on a one-year contract, were each among just a few candidates to apply for their respective roles.
Hamilton said the system will seek to quickly put a new principal in place at Tharptown Elementary, ideally prior to the first day of school. “We’ve got to move quickly. Of course we have administrative people who will be sure the school is ready to open.” Hamilton said he anticipates a called meeting to hire a new TES principal prior to the new school year.
