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A video posted on social media shortly after 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, appears to show students at Franklin High School expressing opposition to a recent decision by Franklin City Public Schools to move Travis Felts from his longtime role of FHS principal to a position working out of Central Office.

The video, posted in the Facebook group named “WHATS GOING ON IN FRANKLIN, VA (THE ORIGINAL),” shows students chanting, “We want Felts!”

Multiple people posted on social media a letter sent late Thursday evening, Feb. 13, to parents and guardians from FCPS Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Tanieka Ricks in which she indicates that the school division had received reports indicating that students at FHS might be planning a walk out.

“Please be advised that any student who walks out of the school or displays derogatory posters on school property will face disciplinary actions in accordance with the FCPS Code of Conduct,” the letter stated. “Additionally, this may result in a mandatory administrative hearing before the student is allowed to return to school. As stated in the Code of Conduct, students who are suspended will not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activities.

“To address these matters, student grade-level assemblies will be held on Monday morning, Feb. 17, 2025,” the letter continued. “These assemblies will provide an opportunity to review the expectations for student behavior, discuss student perspectives, and highlight positive incentives for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year. We kindly ask that you reiterate to your child the importance of adhering to school policies and procedures. Your cooperation is appreciated as we work together to maintain a positive and productive school environment. Thank you for your continued support.”

At 11:20 a.m. on Friday, Franklin Police Department Interim Chief Robert Porti said, “We are aware of a planned student protest at the city of Franklin High School. At this time, the only police presence is that of the school resource officer.”

The Tidewater News reached out to FCPS on Friday morning after someone reported on social media that FHS was on lockdown. Confirmation or additional information was requested. FCPS Coordinator of Social Media & Public Relations Stephen Cowles said, “I have no comment to make at this time.”

Dr. Tonica White was named interim principal of FHS in conjunction with Felts’ appointment to the Central Office role. According to her LinkedIn profile, White worked as a sixth grade principal and high school principal for Southampton County Public Schools in the time directly preceding her tenure with FCPS.

An image of a poster on a wall at FHS was shared with The Tidewater News on Thursday that appears to be protesting the school division’s decision to reassign Felts. The poster states, “Southampton don’t want her!! Neither do we!!” It also includes the following hashtags: “#ByeBye;” “#BringBackFelts;” and “#WeWantFelts.”

Felts had been principal at FHS since 2012, and it was announced in a Feb. 10 FCPS news release that he had been appointed as the school division’s new director of extracurricular activities, JVG and virtual programs.

Both members of the public and Franklin City Council expressed significant concern Monday, Feb. 10, with this change. 

Ten members of the public not sitting on the council spoke during the Citizen’s Time portion of the Feb. 10 council meeting, and all expressed support for Felts, who was present at the meeting but did not speak publicly.

Reached for comment following the Feb. 10 meeting, Felts said, “I am very appreciative of all the support that has been given to me during this difficult time. The emails, text messages, social media posts, and the people who spoke tonight at the City Council meeting mean the world to me and have kept my spirits high.”

The Franklin City School Board will be holding its regular monthly meeting Thursday, Feb. 20, which includes a Citizen’s Time segment. In anticipation of people wanting to make their voices heard, the school division posted the requirements to participate in Citizen’s Time on its Facebook page on Thursday morning, Feb. 13.