Franklin Special School District (FSSD) Director of Schools Dr. David Snowden announced that Dr. Charles Farmer has been selected to assume the role of principal at Freedom Middle School upon the retirement of Dr. Kristi Jefferson. Director of Schools Dr. David Snowden said he knew Farmer was the perfect fit after hearing about his passion to return to a school leadership role that would allow him more direct connections with students. Farmer is currently Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools (Middle and High Schools) for Williamson County Schools (WCS), a position he has held since 2014. “I am humbled and excited to have been selected,” Farmer said. “I’ve enjoyed my current role immensely; however, when the Freedom Middle position opened, I took the opportunity to reflect on why I became an educator in the first place. I’m at a point in my career where I’ve gained just enough wisdom to understand that supporting students, families and school staff is my heart’s desire.”
Farmer points to Freedom Middle Schools strengths of diversity and connectedness as the driving factors that caused him to apply. “I’m personally drawn to the size and diversity, but I really love the family feel that emanates from the district, sister schools and those I’ve met at Freedom Middle thus far,” he said. His first priorities as principal include “meeting as many different people with connections to the school as possible so I can gain an even better understanding of all the great things happening in the school community.”
After the interview process was complete, Snowden had no doubts about Farmer’s ability to connect with students, faculty and staff. “There was no question about his knowledge of what it takes to be a school and district leader,” Snowden said. “We have had the opportunity to work with him many times in planning and transitioning our students to the high school.” Snowden strategically scheduled Dr. Farmer to begin his role one month June 1, one month prior to Dr. Jefferson’s official retirement, providing the two administrators and the assistant principals several weeks to work together so the transition will be as seamless as possible.
His prior administrative experiences include opening and serving as principal at Summit High School in Williamson County, leading Greenville High School in Alabama as principal, as well as serving as assistant principal at Opelika High School in Alabama. He also worked as an attendance administrator at Mosley High School in Florida. Farmer earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University and his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Florida State University. He also earned his Ph.D. from Auburn University.
“We will always appreciate and treasure the strong foundation Dr. Jefferson has built at Freedom Middle School for the past 16 years,” Snowden said. “Under her steady hand, this school has become a shining light in our district. We will all miss her calm but passionate voice advocating for her students, faculty and staff, and we wish her well in her retirement to come.”
