FRANKLIN
Dr. Ronnie Watson of Petersburg has been appointed to the position of principal at Franklin High School.

“Dr. Ronnie Watson brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to Franklin High School,” said Superintendent Dr. Willie Bell.

Franklin City Public School System interviewed six people for the position.

“As we looked for the right fit for Franklin High School, Dr. Watson clearly was the clear-cut choice,” Bell said. “His knowledge and experience in the principalship and daily implementation of professional learning communities, data tracking, lesson plan feedback, observations, instructional coaching, AVID and other high school programs distanced him from the rest of the field of candidates.”

Watson received a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy from North Carolina Central State University, an M.Ed. in Education Administration and Supervision from Virginia State University and an E.D.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration and Supervision from Virginia State University as well.

He holds a valid Postgraduate Professional License in Virginia with endorsements in Administration and Supervision PreK-12, and Elementary Grades 3-6. Watson also has a valid Division Superintended License in Virginia.

He previously has worked in the Petersburg Public School System at the elementary, middle, junior high and central office levels.

Watson contributed much to the many schools at which he taught or was an administrator.

“One of his initiatives at Vernon Johns Junior High School, where he was a principal before transitioning to Central Office, was the creation of a response-to-intervention program entitled ‘REACH.’

This program was designed to differentiate learning while rewarding, motivating and remediating students,” Dr. Bell continued. “The program allowed for students to become responsible for their own educational future which is in direct alignment with our goals and practices in Franklin City Public Schools. The ‘REACH’ program also improved parental involvement and community engagement.”

Bell stated that Dr. Watson’s work with teachers, students and the community are all to be commended.

“We are proud to have him consider and accept Franklin City Public Schools as his new home. We are also proud to have a 2014 ‘Distinguished Principal’ of the SURN Principal Academy, William & Mary University on board. We are excited about what his experiences can bring to our school system and administrative team,” Bell said.

Watson is to start at FHS on Tuesday, Aug. 25.