New Duties for Two Williamson County Schools Administrators

Published June 28, 2007

Heritage Elementary Principal Jane Franks has been named elementary schools director pending final budget approval. Director of Schools Dr. Rebecca Sharber made the announcement June 27.
“For many years we had two elementary directors,” said Sharber. “Then there was a restructuring of the Central Office and all grade level directors were eliminated. We have slowly rebuilt and will once again have two elementary directors to serve 21 elementary schools.”

Franks will be sharing responsibilities with Dr. Steve Gallaway who has served as elementary director for the past three years.

Franks has been a Williamson County resident for the past 36 years, and a part of Williamson County Schools since 1982. She taught at Grassland Elementary where she also served as assistant principal, and she was assistant principal at Grassland Middle. For the past seven years, she has been principal at Heritage Elementary.

“Moving into the new position of Elementary Director is bittersweet,” said Franks. “Working with the staff and families of Heritage Elementary gave me the chance to bring to life a dream and commitment I made a long time ago…to get the right folks together, working for the same purpose with heart and spirit, and make a difference for children.”

Franks said she will miss her school but the new position offers her an opportunity for professional growth.

“I appreciate Jane’s willingness to leave Heritage Elementary and step into the role of helping all schools continue the quest for excellence,” said Sharber.

High Schools Director Jack West will take over as principal of Heritage Elementary on July 10. West has been with Williamson County

Schools for the past five years, serving two years as Human Resources Director and three years as High Schools Director. Prior to coming to Williamson County Schools, he was an elementary administrator in Alabama.

“Jack has asked to be assigned to a leadership position in a school for the past three years,” said Sharber. “I was finally able to honor his request and I believe he will serve the Heritage community well.”

West said he is thrilled to once again be directly involved in the daily education of students.

“I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead such an exemplary school,” said West. “The faculty and staff of Heritage Elementary are top-notch, creative, innovative, and are committed to providing the very best for students in the area. As a resident of the area, I look forward to really getting to know the supportive families and seeing them throughout the community.”