Francom named Principal of the Year

Dr. Jacob Francom, principal of Troy Junior and Senior High School, was named the 2015-2016 Principal of the Year by the Montana Association of Secondary School Principals at a ceremony held April 16.

Francom, who has been principal in Troy for five years and assumed the role of superintendent of the school district two years ago. In that short time, Francom has made significant positive impacts in both the schools and the broader community.

“I think we’re really lucky to have him,” said Troy Mayor Darren Coldwell. “He brings a new, young energy not just to the school but also to the community.”

Francom said he was surprised by the honor, although he knew he was under consideration when he attended the convention earlier this month.

“I was very humbled and surprised,” he said. “But it’s not something that I did alone, by any means. We have a great team here dedicated to helping kids.”

Francom’s energy and commitment to teamwork underscored the comments the organization received in support of Francom’s nomination.

“When historians review the archives of Troy, they will mark Jake’s Running Start program as the spark that added the flame to enhanced academic growth among students and staff,” educator Nia Vestal wrote. “Through this program, I was challenged to improve my teaching qualifications so that I was ready to teach College Writing for dual credit to high school students. Also, Jake served as a role model for academic growth when he finished his doctorate degree.”

Dr. Jacob Francom is just 36 years old, but has an impressive background. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. He then went on to the University of Arizona and earned a master’s in Russian Language and Literature. His second master’s, in Education Leadership, was earned at the University of Montana, where he also earned his doctorate in the same field.

He worked at a therapeutic boarding school in the Yaak for five years before taking the helm at Troy Junior and Senior High School five years ago. Three years later, the school board added superintendent to his list of responsibilities. 

Professional development is a goal Francom not only embodies in himself, but inspires and teaches in others.

“Based on the school district’s strategic plan, Jacob has developed a comprehensive professional development plan with presentations for all certified and classified staff,” said Troy Elementary School principal Diane Rewerts. “The professional development plan includes the process of the development of individual SMART Goals with available, tailored instructional coaching for certified staff.”

Francom’s commitment to the growth and development of both students and faculty was noted by the organization’s leadership. Executive director Kirk Miller wrote, “Jacob’s commitment to providing motivational support for the professional growth of staff and students and his steadfast support to Montana Association of Secondary School Principals makes him very deserving of this recognition.”

Francom is a humble man and was nervous about being in the spotlight.

“I was nervous,” he said. “I don’t like that kind of recognition, as most principals don’t. We don’t do it for the recognition, we do it to help the kids.”

Mayor Coldwell holds Francom in high esteem, and was pleased to see him earn the recognition.

“You’ve got the huge districts and the rich districts,” Coldwell said. “And then you have little Troy, one of the smallest and poorest districts in the state and we have a gem like Dr. Francom. As a parent and a city leader, he’s A-plus in my eyes.”

Francom said he is committed to continual improvement in the school, with his priorities on improving technology and instructional practices. The school has partnered with Flathead Valley Community College to create a strong dual-credit program, which enables students to simultaneously earn high school and college credit for certain classes. He said the school is also working on county-wide development initiatives. The plan will bring educators from Troy, Libby and Eureka together to help share ideas, challenges and solutions.

In keeping with his ideas of creating solutions, Francom has spent a great deal of time looking for solutions to the district’s financial woes. During the past two years, Francom has won more than $180,000 in grants for the district. 

Francom will travel to Washington, D.C. in September for the National Association of Secondary School Principals convention, where a national Principal of the Year will be announced.