FRANKLIN—The city school system has started its search for the next Franklin High School principal. The position will become vacant this summer when current principal Sam Jones retires in June.

According to the school system’s human resource specialist, Maggie Swain, qualifications for the position include a minimum of three to five years of experience as an assistant Principal or principal at the secondary level, the proven ability to provide instructional leadership in accordance with the Virginia Standards of Learning requirements and the ability to communicate effectively with parents, teachers and students. Swain said the successful candidate must also possess a Virginia Secondary School Principal’s license.

Assistant Superintendent Rick Clemons, who is in charge of human resources, said that in addition to those qualifications, the successful candidate must also be committed to the future of Franklin’s students.

“The individual who takes this position must be someone who has the vision to help usher in a new era of learning in the city of Franklin,” Clemons said.

The deadline for applications will be Feb 27.

Jones declined to comment for this story.