Francom hired as Troy's top educator

In a momentous decision Monday night, the Troy School Board unanimously approved Troy High School Principal Jacob Francom to be the new superintendent for Troy School District 1. 

Francom, who previously stated he was not interested in the position, changed his mind after receiving overwhelming support from the community.

“I received encouragement and support from the school board, the community and even students,” Francom said. “I’m excited to take on these new roles. I can go in there with some confidence.”

Besides the encouragement from the community, Francom is interested for several other reasons. One is the ability to see his goals met as principal of Troy High School.

Francom will juggle the duties of both superintendent and principal as soon as current superintendent Dan Wendt’s tenure ends June 30.

“I’m a little bit daunted,” Francom said. “Anytime you take on a big job like this, you don’t know the full scope. I’m looking forward to helping the district improve.”

Francom admitted that although he is interested, he might have accepted the position a little earlier than he would have preferred. The reason for this is the impending budget crisis looming in Troy, which will necessitate more than $119,000 of cuts.

His colleagues in the administration, each at least as new to Troy as Francom is, have faith in him as a double-duty administrator.

“I think if anybody were to get that job, he’s the one that could make it work,” said Kelly Moore, W.F. Morrison’s principal. “As for being able to step up, I’m willing to do my part.”

Moore will be the only other administrator after Wendt leaves, a move that is expected to save $59,500 – even with a potential vice principal hire for Francom at the high school.

Wendt didn’t see an easy path, with two difficult jobs on one person.

“Oh yeah,” he laughed. “It will be extremely difficult. But (Francom) is extremely organized. That will help him juggle the two positions.”

Francom was writing the job description for a vice principal and administrative assistant and wanted someone who could fit in seamlessly.

“I’m looking for someone who can take and use the system I’ve created at the high school,” he said. “And keep it that culture of improvement. Working with the great people at the elementary school is important.”

As the high school principal moves to the soon-to-be-vacated superintendent’s chair, Moore just wanted to slow the revolving door in Troy. 

“I hope (the transition) is smooth,” Moore said. “We need some stability around here, someone who won’t bolt. Jake’s a common-sense guy. I have faith he’ll do a good job for the district.”