FRANKLIN—After going through a week of orientation and professional development, the Franklin City Public Schools had a welcoming luncheon for the new licensed personnel.

“It has been fantastic,” said Gail Wade, director of human resources and administrative services. “Next week, they will be able to get into their buildings and start to work together.”

More than 27 new licensed instructional staff members were put into place at the various levels, and there are seven people who are new administrators or have advanced into those positions.

“We are very excited about this group of people,” Wade said. “They are highly qualified and their skills and knowledge will make an impact this year.”

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Belle said there was one big boon this year that will help the new teachers.

“We did not have any change in administrative positions, such as principals,” she said. “With that consistency in place, they will be able to get off and running much quicker. This has been a big thorn in our side in years past, because I feel like you lose ground when you have turnover in those positions.”

The new administrators or people moving into the positions are:

• Sabrina Beamon, supervisor of special education

• Anita Harris, ITRT/Website manager

• Teresa Howington-Vaughan, special education assistant

• Darren Parker, Dean of Students, Franklin High School

• Terrance Saxby, Dean of Students, S.P. Morton

• Shannon Smith, director of instruction

• Joshua Spaugh, coordinator of technological services

At the meeting, the new faculty and staff were introduced to some of the school board members along with Mayor Raystine Johnson-Ashburn and City Manager Randy Martin.