WINCHESTER — Saturday, January 31, 2026 — The Franklin County Schools Board of Education held a public workshop Saturday morning to begin outlining how the district will fill the Director of Schools position following the upcoming departure of Dr. Cary Holman.
Workshops are typically less formal than regular meetings and are intended to give board members time to discuss direction, priorities, and potential next steps in a public setting.
Search options on the table
During the 8 a.m. session at the Board of Education office, board members discussed several possible paths for the search process, including:
- Using the Tennessee School Boards Association for a superintendent/director search (board members said the cost can range from roughly $3,000 to $15,000 depending on services)
- Hiring a private search firm
- Conducting a board-led search
- Appointing a director from within the district
Board members also noted that one option is not currently available under Tennessee law: filling the position by election.
The general consensus among the board was to either make a direct appointment, or conduct the search through the board.
Initially, the board briefly referenced other districts that are also searching for new leadership. In our region alone, Tullahoma City Schools, Bedford County Schools, and Grundy County Schools are all hiring a new Director. Board members indicated that some of those systems are positioned to elevate leadership from within.
Dr. Roger Alsup’s name comes up early
Much of the conversation centered on Dr. Roger Alsup, the district’s deputy director, who was repeatedly mentioned as a potential candidate.
Board members referenced Alsup’s experience in the district, including his prior role as principal at Franklin County High School, as well as his military background. Several members described these as a positive leadership credential.
Alsup has served as deputy director for more than three years and was selected by Holman to serve in a top leadership role. Multiple board members said that background positions Alsup to maintain continuity in district. As a result, the district would avoid losing momentum on ongoing programs and initiatives.
A recurring theme during discussion was stability. Board members pointed to frequent turnover in key roles over recent decades, including coaching changes and administrative turnover. The point was repeatedly made that an internal appointment could reduce disruption as the district tries to build its culture. Members also expressed concern that a director hired from outside the district could need significant time to learn local systems and would bring their own culture. Once again, the district would face an adjustment period as schools and staff acclimate to new leadership.
One member noted that three years “is not a long time” in education and said the district should avoid resetting progress already underway.
Board members also referenced the positive community feedback they said they have received in support of Alsup. While others emphasized that he lives locally and it appears he intends to remain in the area.
Due diligence vs. speed
While support for Alsup was expressed strongly by multiple members, some also emphasized the importance of a clear, defensible process.
A key concern raised was not necessarily about qualifications, but about ensuring the board can demonstrate it performed appropriate due diligence before making a decision. Given the significance of the role and the public interest in the outcome, some members voiced interest in opening the process to additional candidates. Overall, however, it was agreed that Alsup is viewed as a leading option.
The board also discussed Alsup’s longstanding history in the district, with comments suggesting that—given his decade of service—he has effectively been evaluated in real time for years, reducing the need for a traditional re-introduction to the community.
Holman spoke positively of Alsup during the workshop, describing him as deeply involved in district decision-making and prepared to lead. Holman also referenced a shortening national tenure trend for superintendent/director roles and suggested that naming a successor sooner could make the transition smoother—allowing time to connect the next director with key relationships and ongoing work before Holman’s departure.
What happens next
No formal appointment was made during the workshop, but the discussion set the stage for the board to determine a timeline and select a process—which appears will either be a board run search, or an internal appointment.
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