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By Donald Spengeman
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What we all want for our children is a principal who builds a positive and safe learning environment, relates to and can talk to children, and is clearly comfortable with all of them.  We want a principal who has the trust of his faculty, clearly values teacher voice and opinion, and effectively communicates with teachers, parents, and members of the community.  This is Travis Felts!!

Travis is a graduate of Franklin High School (FHS).  For most of his career, spanning 26 of his 28 years, he has been in Franklin City Public Schools (FCPS).   He has been a teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal for the last 12 years until his February reassignment.

Where do we stand in our schools now?

S. P. Morton (SPM):

• At least eight, and by some counts, 11 principals in the last 13 years 
• In 2024-2025, sixth grade moved to SPM.
• Between 2016 and 2017, and 2024 and 2025, there were two years of accreditation reports.  

During these 7 years, S. P. Morton was accredited one time… in 18-19.

Franklin High School:

• Same principal for the last 12 years
• In 2023-2024, 8th grade moved to FHS.
• In 2024-2025, 7th grade moved to FHS.
• During the previous seven years, when accreditation was reported, FHS was accredited consecutively for the first five years.
• In 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, FHS was accredited with conditions.

What changed in school years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, where no schools met full accreditation?  

• Dr. Carter’s appointment as superintendent.
• 8th grade moved to FHS.
• 7th grade moved to FHS.
• 6th grade moved to SPM.

What was the plan to transition middle schoolers to elementary and high school and provide an appropriate support and environment?  How were these plans communicated to teachers, parents, and other stakeholders?

Principals’ mid-year evaluations are based on eight Uniform Performance Standards for principals and are rated from effective to ineffective. Mr. Felts received an effective rating on all standards and signed a document to that effect Feb. 5, and on Feb. 7, was reassigned to Central Office.

According to Mr. Holt’s Feb. 19 article in The Tidewater News, Dr. Carter’s evaluation was 3.625 on a 4.0 scale, and yet both schools are Accredited with Conditions for the second year in a row.  

How does the school board justify that?

School leaders are responsible for positive, safe learning environments for children, staff, parents, and community members. Leaders nurture the success of all students and staff in a climate of mutual respect and trust.  School leaders must follow legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Mr. Felts understands the strengths, needs, and challenges of our community.  Does Dr. Carter? 

Mr. Felts is a visible member of the community. Is Dr. Carter?

Mr. Felts is approachable, open to others’ ideas, and effectively communicates with students, staff, and parents. Is Dr. Carter? 

Division policy states: “Students may not be authorized to use personal communication devices to fill instructional time or to occupy students in lieu of providing instructional activities or as a reward.” On Monday, Feb. 17, an incentive program was presented to FHS students.  “A free pass to chill on your phone for an entire block without being disturbed” was one of these incentives.  Mr. Felts would never have approved this violation of the division’s policy and Governor’s Executive Order #33.  

Is each School Board member an independent thinker who makes decisions based on facts?  Do they ask specifically what the Superintendent and his staff are doing on the ground to support each building?   

Do Board members dig into issues, or do they rely on the Board Chairman to give them details and data?  Do Board members ask for clarification and documentation so that each member has a true understanding of the issues before making decisions and casting a vote?

Questions were asked at the previous two School Board Meetings.  Since no answers have been given to date, this article reasks some of those questions.  Hopefully, answers will come soon for the benefit of our children, their families, and our community. 

We have a high school principal who has dedicated his career to this school division. It’s sad to think about the negative impact of removing Mr. Felts as principal.  What a tremendous loss!  It is imperative that Mr. Felts’s new assignment is one where he can continue to be a true leader, making a positive impact on ALL students.  Don’t we all value a leader who is solution-oriented, a problem solver, transparent, stands up for students and staff, understands accreditation, and shares with all stakeholders?

DONALD SPENGEMAN is a retired Franklin City Public Schools educator and administrator.