I just finished reading the Independent article on Franklin School students’ academic success.
Franklin is a one-of-a-kind school because Franklin has had Casie Kilgore
leading the way for many years.
About six or seven years ago, I had the pleasure of working
with Franklin’s fabulous teachers under Kilgore’s leadership. I saw firsthand
her clear vision, her no-nonsense, no-excuses directives to improve student
learning, and her fearless insistence that teachers at Franklin meet high
standards of teaching excellence. These are the characteristics of intrepid educational
leadership that every school can learn from and emulate.
Kilgore absolutely created the “village” that she credits
for shaping the students at her school. Without her leadership Franklin would
not be where it is today. She has persisted and persevered over the years even
when the district was not completely supportive or told her there was no money
or cited obstacles in her way. She always found a way.
This bold approach is what is needed from our educators
today, that and the love that Casie Kilgore has for her students and Franklin
families. She is remarkable.