Ever wondered how young leaders balance school, entrepreneurship, and community service? Meet Elle Bevington and Stephen Lemon, our star student board members from Franklin County High School and Western Hills High School. Elle, a senior, is not just class president but also an entrepreneur running her own gift shop, Neat Down South. Stephen, a junior, is diving headfirst into dual-enrollment courses while sharing his culinary adventures on his YouTube channel, Chef Lemonhead. Join us for a l...
Jennifer Kantner's journey from local student to board chair of Franklin County Schools is both inspiring and deeply personal. Growing up in Frankfort and now guiding the educational future for her two daughters, Jennifer offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of ensuring quality education. As she steps into her role, she candidly shares what it’s like to be a key decision-maker, highlighting the joys of school visits and graduations while tackling the tougher side of the ...
Imagine waking up to a winter wonderland, only to wonder if school is still on. Superintendent Kopp shares his personal journey from childhood snow days in southern Ohio to the challenging decisions he faces today as head of Franklin County Schools. Discover the meticulous process that unfolds as early as 3:30 a.m., when Kopp, alongside Brad McKinney and Jennifer Perkins, ventures out to assess road conditions across a sprawling and diverse county. By 5 a.m., they must decide whether to decla...
Can public tax dollars pave the path for private education? Join us on FCS Unscripted as we confront this pressing issue with superintendents Mark Kopp, SherI Satterly, Sheila Mitchell, and Billy Parker. The spotlight is on Amendment 2, A legislative measure that could drastically reshape education funding. With 100,000 students currently outside the public system, we explore the potential $420 million financial burden local taxpayers might face and question the equitable use of public funds....
What if your local school's facilities could rival those of a professional sports complex? Join us on this episode of FCS Unscripted, where we sit down with Jennifer Perkins, Chief Operating Officer of Franklin County Schools, to discover the transformative upgrades sweeping the district. From the expansive new grandstands at our football fields, perfect for packed graduation ceremonies, to the immersive LED lights that add a dynamic flair to high school sports events, Jennifer offers an insi...
What if you could unlock the secrets to a thriving school year, straight from the minds of our passionate Franklin County Schools administrators? Get ready to be inspired as we chat with leaders who are buzzing with excitement and innovative ideas for the 2024 academic season. Starting with Megan Barton and Brittany Beach from Hearn Elementary, you'll hear about their dynamic plans to engage students and strengthen community connections. Sarah Vivian and Ashley Scott from the Academy share th...
What does it take to make decisions that truly prioritize the needs of students, even when they're not popular with the adults? Dive into this thought-provoking conversation with Mr. Chuck Fletcher, an experienced board member of Franklin County Schools, as he joins Superintendent Kopp on FCS Unscripted. With eight years of dedicated service under his belt, Chuck talks about the value of teamwork and student-centered leadership within the board. We take a closer look at his extensive communit...
Prepare for a celebration like no other, as wereveal the ins and outs of our upcoming graduation festivities in Franklin County. This Saturday’s ceremonies are not just a rite of passage; they're the culmination of years of dedication from our students. In this special episode of FCS Unscripted, we whisk you behind the scenes to explore the preparations and contingencies in place for our outdoor extravaganzas at Franklin County High School and Western Hills High School. And let's not forget t...
Feel the rush of anticipation as Franklin County Schools gear up for pivotal moments that set the pace for the future. I'm Superintendent Mark Kopp, and in this episode of FCS Unscripted, we're crossing the academic finish line with the same gusto as Derby contenders in their final furlong. Join us as we explore the vital contributions of the Frankfort Plant Board, detailed by our esteemed guests Cathy Lindsey and David Columbia. They shine a light on the invaluable support our schools receiv...
Step into a powerful retelling of history as we unite with Katima Smith-Willis, Kristy Powe, and Larry Murphy to illuminate the profound lessons of the 1964 March on Frankfort. Our discussion promises to bridge generations, revealing how the march not only shaped local history but continues to inspire current and future activists. Together, we dissect the event's monumental influence on the struggle for equality, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and Jackie Robinson while spotl...
Ever wondered what goes into the decision-making process when schools are faced with severe weather conditions? Join us as Superintendent Kopp peels back the curtain on the complexities surrounding school closures in Franklin County, especially during the teeth-chattering chill of winter. This episode promises to arm you with an understanding of the intricate balance between safety and education as we navigate snowflakes and subzero temperatures. Superintendent Kopp doesn't just scratch the ...
Join us as we enter the world of Mr. Terry Johnson, a pillar of the Franklin County community, who's dedicated five decades to shaping young minds in the hallowed halls of Franklin County High School. We unravel his extraordinary life story, which includes a passion for languages, sports, and cuisine. Over a candid conversation, he reveals how a seemingly ordinary day turned into a life-changing moment, setting him on his path as a beloved French teacher and tennis coach. We also examine wha...
Get ready for an engaging conversation with Josh Scott, a stellar high school student who's mastering the field of football and the art of leadership. From winning the prestigious Heisman High School Scholarship to serving as class president at Western Hills High School, Josh's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and ambition. Listen in as he shares his strategies for success, his love for football, and a whimsical side story about his participation in the Mullet Championship. O...
Want to uncover the secrets behind the remarkable growth of Franklin County Schools? Join us as we pull back the curtain on our district's success with our special guest, Kimberly Young, the Director of Assessment and Program Effectiveness. Kimberly guides us through the fascinating world of test scores and accountability, shedding light on the process, as well as the impressive achievements of our district. From Bridgeport Elementary's remarkable performance, to the amazing writing scores at...
Ever wondered how an electrician or a diesel mechanic could transfer their skills into a classroom? You're about to get your answers from two extraordinary educators, Allen Neal and Ryan Shouse, who did just that at the Franklin County Schools Career Tech Center. Their captivating stories of transformation and passion for imparting practical wisdom will leave you inspired. Allen, once an electrician, lights up his students' minds with the intricacies of circuits and electrical construction. A...
Ever wondered about the transformative journey of an education board member from a humble background? Join us in a captivating conversation with our guest, Larry Perkins, the board vice chairman of Franklin County Schools. Larry, defying his economically challenging upbringing, has become a trailblazer for children often overlooked. He shares his unwavering commitment to giving students an array of prospects outside the traditional college path. You'll be intrigued by Larry's perspective on t...
Unravel the complexities of educational leadership with us as we sit down with our seasoned guest, Scott Murphy from the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC). A stalwart in the realm of education, Scott’s diverse experience, from being a middle school teacher to a director for English and professional development, brings a depth of understanding to the table. His insights into the growth of our educational leaders over the years provides a riveting backdrop to our conversation and h...
Who said positivity and humor can't change the world? Join me, Superintendent Mark Kopp, in a lively banter with four young visionaries from Bondurant Middle School. Avery Bishop, Emma Collingsworth, Eleanor Bishop, and Campbell Goins, with the help of their school counselor, Brooke Fell, bring to the spotlight their unique initiative, "The Kind Line". A student-led project, The Kind Line is an innovative platform promoting positivity and inclusivity within their school community. Discover th...
This episode of FCS Unscripted is riveting, to say the least, with our special guest being Haleigh Huff, a dedicated science teacher with a particular love for geology. Her unique perspective on teaching and her passion for connecting students to the natural world promises an engaging and enlightening conversation. Haley's tale takes us from her transition from biology to geology, her innovative community project with Franklin County's parks and city council department, to her annual trips to...
What would you say if you had the chance to get an intimate glimpse into the lives of the individuals shaping our children's education? Prepare to have that curiosity satiated as we engage in a candid conversation with Beth Lodmell, Nick Barton, and Cassie House - three remarkable elementary school principals in our district. As they share about their personal journeys, their families, and their passion for education, you'll begin to understand what fuels their dedication. You'll also get a d...