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Franklin City Manager Amanda C. Jarratt announced during her report to the Franklin City Council on Monday evening, Nov. 27, that she had received the resignation of the Ward 6 representative on the Franklin City School Board, Jerry McCreary.

In his resignation letter addressed to Jarratt and School Board Chairman Robert Holt, McCreary wrote, “Due to continued health issues and after consultation with my physician, it is with regret that I resign my position representing Ward 6 on the Board of Franklin City Public Schools, effective Nov. 30, 2023.”

McCreary has served on the board since July 1, 2020, when he was appointed to fulfill part of the unexpired term of the previous Ward 6 representative. He was then appointed by City Council to serve a full three-year term that will expire June 30, 2024.

“It has been an honor and privilege the past three years to serve our students, parents and our community alongside fellow board members, Superintendent (Dr. Carlton) Carter and staff,” he stated in the letter. “I am pleased to have played a part in the hiring of our new superintendent. I have high confidence in the vision he has set forth for the division.”

In a Monday evening interview, Holt lauded McCreary’s contributions to the board and the school division.

“I’m going to miss him because he’s been a hardworking, dedicated board member,” Holt said. “He’s just been a real good board member who always stays up on everything and asks good questions and makes good comments.”

During a Tuesday morning, Nov. 28, interview, McCreary expressed optimism for the future of Franklin City Public Schools and outlined a key factor that needs to be at work to ensure a bright future.

“I do have a lot of confidence in the current board that I got to know, including the newer members,” he said. “I think as long as our community gets involved, I think the schools are going to be doing much better.”

He indicated that encouraging parents to become more involved has been one of his consistent refrains during his time on the board.

Near the end of Monday’s council meeting, Jarratt said, “I did notify (Ward 6 Councilwoman) Ms. (Jessica G.) Banks and the mayor today, but we did receive the resignation of Jerry McCreary late this afternoon after 5 on the City of Franklin School Board, and so we’ll need to schedule a public hearing to fill that seat.

“Due to the advertisement requirements, the earliest that we’ll be able to have the public hearing is our January meeting, so that does allow some time for you all to seek individuals from Ward 6 that would be interested in serving on the Franklin City School Board,” she said.