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Photo: Hamilton Matthew Masters

Williamson, Inc. President and CEO Matt Largen welcomed Williamson County Schools Superintendent Jason Golden and Franklin Special District Director of Schools David Snowden to The Factory at Franklin on Thursday to share an update about the county's public schools with local business and community leaders.

"Public education is the economic foundation of Williamson County," Largen said. "Everything rises and falls with our public schools."

Largen said that Williamson, Inc. aims to partner with the schools in several ways to help future generations of the workforce.

"We also know that to really help our students get a level up from their peers across the country, creating relevant opportunities with businesses throughout Williamson County and Middle Tennessee sets them on a path that other kids don't always have access to," Largen said.

One of the ways the Franklin Special District (FSD) is giving its students new opportunities is through an aerospace program that eight grade students now have access to. The students are able to use flight simulators as part of their course learning.

Snowden shared that the class is a high school pathway in collaboration with Williamson County Schools (WCS) thanks to a $1 million state innovative schools grant.

Williamson Inc. hosts annual State of the Schools

Snowden also gave the community an update on the former Franklin Special Schools District's brand refresh that led to shortening the title to Franklin Special District.

"As the process progressed, it was very obvious how important it is for us to accentuate our district's unique value and presence in the education ecosystem and our immediate community," Snowden said. "We believe excellence has its own district, and we believe that district is the FSD."

The district has adopted a five-year strategic plan with three main goals: improving academic proficiency, supporting well-being and belonging, and expanding community presence. 

Snowden shared that FSD was among the top 10 percent of all school districts in Tennessee for overall performance in TCAP scores for the 2023-2024 school year. FSD has a 56 percent success rate in English and language arts scores compared to the state rate of 39 percent. FSD's math success rate is also 56 percent compared to the state rate of 40 percent, and FSD has a higher success rating than the state ratings for science and social studies. The district is recognized as one of only 12 exemplary districts by the Tennessee Department of Education based on TCAP scores for 2022-2023.

Golden opened his remarks with some recognitions, including for the 31 schools in the district that were named "Reward Schools" by the state. He also highlighted the Class of 2024's accomplishments with 81 National Merit Scholarship finalists, 2,600 graduates qualified for the HOPE scholarship, and $108 million in scholarship money accepted.

"The upward trajectory of our schools showing success for our students is unprecedented, even in the incredible success that Williamson County Schools has had," Golden said. "What we know with our professionals is if you focus and you put your mind to something, and you know what you're doing, you're competent and you care, you're going to have success. And that's what we're seeing here."

Golden shared that 400 college and career technical education students received college dual credit for their work and 314 students obtained industry certifications.

He highlighted that the district is below the state average in per-pupil spending while still remaining at the top in performance indicators. He also recognized parents for their work in fundraising for Parent Teacher Organizations and the business leaders in the room who assist as mentors in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center.

"It takes a community for the success that we've built," Golden said. "Success is tenuous. It needs constant effort and we need you all to continue that effort with us."