Last night’s Franklin Township Community School Corporation Board of Education meeting was filled with celebrations recognizing students, staff, and educational leaders who continue to Make A Difference across the district through Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration.
One of the evening’s special recognitions highlighted the incredible efforts of the Bunker Hill Elementary School Related Arts Team for their PLC Collaboration and UNITE Friday Leadership. UNITE Friday Leadership provides extended time for teachers to dive deeper into data, curriculum, and Meaningful Collaboration while also allowing students to develop a deeper appreciation for the Arts through Purposeful Learning experiences. One of this year’s UNITE Friday Leadership projects focused on the Kids Heart Challenge, benefiting the American Heart Association. Principal Hilary Huff celebrated teachers Kimberly Wuest, Julia Wahl, Ryan Ratliff, Shaina Brown, and Jenny Monday for helping lead a schoolwide effort that raised an impressive $9,737.26, placing Bunker Hill among the Top 20 schools in Indiana for fundraising. Their leadership created Meaningful Collaborative opportunities for students to engage in Purposeful Learning about service, teamwork, and giving back while Making A Difference for others. The team also recognized the top five student fundraisers whose efforts made a tremendous impact: Presley Lewis ($1,520.78), Emma Racine ($908.56), Skylar Cairns ($491.77), Alex Koerber ($413.93), and Ben Cope ($335.88).
The FTCSC School Board also celebrated several administrative appointments across the district, recognizing leaders who will continue supporting Purposeful Learning, Meaningful Collaboration, and student success throughout FTCSC.
After two years of listening and learning alongside our community and staff through opportunities such as Teacher Table Talks, Coffee with the Superintendent, Community Ambassadors, President’s Collaboration, and many additional listening tours, FTCSC is excited to announce a new leadership position designed to directly support the needs and priorities consistently shared by our stakeholders. FTCSC is pleased to announce Dr. Catherine Whitson as the district’s new Director of Behavioral Systems. Dr. Whitson currently serves as Principal of Franklin Central Junior High School and brings more than 25 years of educational experience to the role. Her background in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Special Education, and staff development positions her to help lead a unified districtwide behavioral framework focused on supporting students and staff through Purposeful Learning, Meaningful Collaboration, and relationship-centered practices. Her commitment to student support, collaboration, and the building of positive school cultures has consistently helped Make A Difference in the FCJH school community.
In addition, Craig Buckler was introduced as the district’s new Director of Teaching and Learning. Mr. Buckler brings 30 years of educational experience, including service as a classroom teacher, principal, and Assistant Superintendent. Most recently, he served as principal of Thompson Crossing Elementary School in Franklin Township. His passion for teacher development, instructional coaching, PLCs, and collaborative systems will continue to strengthen Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration across FTCSC while supporting high levels of learning for all students.
The district also announced Brook Wessel-Burke as the new Principal of Edgewood Intermediate School. Mrs. Wessel-Burke has served FTCSC students, staff, and families since 2009 and most recently led Acton Elementary School. Known for her relationship-centered leadership style and commitment to building strong school cultures, she brings extensive experience in instructional leadership and staff development to her new role. Her focus on supporting students, empowering staff, and fostering collaboration continues to Make A Difference throughout the FTCSC Flashes Community.
At Franklin Central High School, Kara Atkinson and Paige Vinson were introduced as the school’s newest Assistant Principals. Mrs. Atkinson has served Franklin Central High School since 2012 and most recently worked as the school’s Advanced Placement Coordinator, ELA Coordinator, and Department Chair. A former FTCSC District Teacher of the Year and recipient of the Candice Dodson Award, she is widely respected for her leadership in instructional systems, professional development, and collaborative learning structures that support Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration throughout the building.
Mrs. Vinson joins FTCSC from Hamilton Southeastern High School, where she served as Assistant Principal. Her leadership background includes overseeing academic testing programs, managing building operations, supporting Special Education and ENL programs, and leading collaborative teams focused on student success and school culture. Her experience, collaborative mindset, and commitment to student-centered leadership will help continue Making A Difference for students, staff, and families at Franklin Central High School.
Franklin Central Junior High School also celebrated the appointment of Jason Gorrell as the school’s new Assistant Principal. Mr. Gorrell has served as Dean of Students at FCJH since 2021 and brings extensive experience in student engagement, behavioral management, instructional leadership, and school safety. His collaborative leadership, commitment to relationship-building, and dedication to positive student development have already made a significant impact within the school community while supporting a culture centered on Purposeful Learning and student success.
The evening was a celebration of the students, educators, and leaders who continue to positively impact the FTCSC Flashes Community each day. As these individuals step into new opportunities and leadership roles, FTCSC looks forward to the continued growth, Meaningful Collaboration, and support they will bring as they continue to Make A Difference for students and families across the district.