By Hayley Rea--Eagle Staff Writer
People in Franklin County may wish to watch where they step. There is a lot of glass on the ground from ceilings being shattered lately.
First, Sen. Kamala Harris became the first woman and person of color to become Vice President-Elect of the United States. And more close to home, Dr. Bernice Cobbs was named Superintendent of Schools for FCPS.
Her appointment marks the first time a woman--and a woman of color--has held the position in Franklin County.
“I’m looking forward to the work and I thank you, Board, for the opportunity,” Cobbs said at the School Board meeting where her appointment was announced Nov. 9.
The appointment, and Cobbs, were highly praised by the Board.
“I am very excited that Dr. Cobbs was chosen to be our next superintendent,” commented Jeff Worley, School Board member. “Our employees told us over and over again who they wanted to see as their next superintendent, and I am proud to have listened to them. I look forward to working with her and to seeing where she leads FCPS.”
Campus Principal Jon Crutchfield was equally complimentary.
“I cannot think of a more deserving person to be named superintendent for Franklin County Public Schools,” Crutchfield explained. “She will work to provide the best education possible for our students and will support our staff in their efforts!”
Dr. Cobbs will begin her position as superintendent on Dec. 1, succeeding Dr. Mark Church. Church will assist in the transition until his departure on Jan. 1.
"I am pleased that the Board chose Dr. Cobbs. She will continue to work as an advocate for both children and staff. I look forward to helping her transition to her new role,” said Dr. Church about his successor.
For the Board, it was a priority to bring in a familiar face for the position.
“We had a strong pool of candidates to choose from, but at the end of the day, we found the right fit for Franklin County right here,” Julianne Nix, School Board Chair, commented.
Cobbs already has a wealth of experience within the community and the FCPS school system at all levels of education.
“She is extremely qualified, has served at every level in FCPS, and has a great working relationship with members and families of our community,” Worley said.
Not only does she have plenty of experience with education, but her enthusiasm and drive for the job made her a prime candidate for this position, board members noted.
“She’s a proven leader, able to show compassion and objectivity for any situation that arises. She will raise the bar for providing a great education for all of our students. She is exactly what our whole community needs right now,” said Jon Atchue, Board member.
Dr. Cobbs has high expectations for the FCPS school community and hopes to be a leader for those around her.
“I look forward to working closely with the students, staff, families, and community to provide our students with a good education. A good education sets the stage for many opportunities,” Cobbs explained.
There is much anticipation for what she will do for the community.
“Dr. Cobbs is the epitome of what education can do. She is a team player and a hard worker, and I look forward to seeing where she leads Franklin County Public Schools,” Penny Blue, Board member, concluded.