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Dr. Carlton Carter was formally named as the superintendent of Franklin City Public Schools on Thursday, March 30. 

An FCPS news release stated that this was announced early that evening by Franklin City School Board Chairman Robert Holt at the start of a joint meeting between the board and the Franklin City Council. The news was received with a standing ovation by all present.

Carter had been serving as the school division’s interim superintendent since being appointed to that role on Oct. 20. 

Prior to that, he served for two-and-a-half years as the division’s assistant superintendent of accountability, pupil personnel and operations. 

Ward 6 Board Member Jerry McCreary made the motion to approve Carter’s appointment, and Ward 4 Board Member Cristina Boone seconded it.

Before the vote, though, McCreary pointed out a list of considerations for choosing a superintendent. These were compiled from comments made by Franklin residents during Citizens’ Time at previous board meetings. The board took into account what community members asked for in a division leader: 

• Must consider the socio-economic status of Franklin’s students; 
• Ensure no idle time for students during school day; 
• Make better use of half-day Fridays; 
• Welcome volunteers in schools; 
• Make sure students with special needs are well-served; 
• Focus on future for each student; 
• Allow for students to feel loved and respected; 
• Enhance trust among teachers, administrators and parents; 
• Take bold action to overcome learning loss; 
• Work with community partners; 
• Instill the power of education in students; 
• Support teachers; and
• Engage parents.

McCreary said, “It is my opinion that Dr. Carter addresses all these important needs. My viewpoint is based on discussions directly with Dr. Carter, from comments made by others, and in discussions and presentations in our board meetings. It is also my opinion that Dr. Carter has demonstrated that he desires that the superintendent and board work together for a stronger school division. I believe this is an essential point, as board members represent our community and need to be heard.” 

Ward 2 Board Member Arwen Councill said she appreciates how Carter jumped right in as a strong interim leader and has made notable strides in the division, including advancing the Career Technology Education program and creating community partnerships, such as that between S.P. Morton Elementary School and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Lambda Psi Omega Chapter in Franklin. 

Councill added, “I am confident he’ll continue to lead in a bold way.” 

Holt said, “The board had an opportunity to observe and evaluate Dr. Carter’s performance over more than four months, and he did not disappoint. He brought to the surface several issues of  which the board was not aware, along with suggested corrective actions. His goals and the board’s goals for our division are in proper alignment, and we look forward to his leadership as we continue to move ahead for the betterment of our students, teachers, parents, staff and community.”

Franklin City Manager Amanda Jarratt said, “I look forward to working with Dr. Carter in support of Franklin City Public Schools. He has been a wonderful partner through this latest transition process, and we look forward to continuing this partnership as a result of his permanent appointment.” 

Franklin City Mayor Robert “Bobby” Cutchins said, “I feel very inspired right now. Dr. Carter understands that coming together is the beginning. He is all about understanding the needs of the principals, teachers and students. Working together with the school board and city of Franklin will bring betterment for all.” 

“It is a great honor to be selected as superintendent of Franklin City Public Schools,” Carter said. “Thus my overarching goals for the district are the following: 1) All schools will be fully accredited; 2) Retain and recruit highly qualified teachers/staff; 3) Increase parent and business/community engagement; 4) Renovation and maintenance of school facilities; 5) Exercising fiscal responsibility; 6) Expansion of career and technical education programs; 7) Increase dual enrollment programs with local community colleges; and 8) Explore the option of year-round schools for the 2024-25 school year at the elementary school and middle school levels.  

“However, to achieve these priorities it is important to ensure that all stakeholders are pulling in the same direction and everyone has the willingness and the skill for a high-achieving school division,” he added.

The superintendent’s resumé is rich in experience. In addition to the aforementioned duties with FCPS, Carter had been a principal on the middle and high school levels for eight years, and he spent seven years being an assistant principal on the same levels. He taught technology education for eight years. 

Carter served as the senior school turnaround consultant for four years at the American Institute for Research and Center for Collaborative Education. Further, he had been a flight director for four years at the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. 

As for his academic training, Carter earned his bachelor’s degree in technology education from the University of Maryland – Eastern Shore. He went on to obtain his master’s degree in administration supervision from Bowie State University. His doctorate in educational leadership was achieved at Northcentral University.