FSSD Announces New Associate Director of Schools

FSSD Announces Esslinger as Associate Director of Schools

Franklin Special School District Director of Schools Dr. David Snowden has announced that Dr. David Esslinger will become the associate director of schools for finance and administration on December 2, 2019, upon the retirement of Chuck Arnold.

Esslinger is currently principal at Franklin Elementary School, a position he has held since 2008. Of his 30 years in education, 22 have been spent in a school leadership role. He began in the FSSD as assistant principal at Moore Elementary, with eight years of experience as a middle school science teacher and basketball coach. After 11 years in that role, he was asked to lead at Franklin Elementary as principal, where he has remained for the past 11 years.

“Dr. Esslinger is a proven leader with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills which will transition well to his role as Associate Director of Schools for Finance and Administration,” Snowden said. “With his experience in supervision and school finance, he will make a seamless transition into this new role. He is extremely organized and very detailed oriented in all areas of his responsibility.”

Under his leadership, Franklin Elementary was named a 2018-2019 Reward School by the Tennessee Department of Education. In addition, over the past two years, he planned and managed a $7.5 million building renovation at Franklin Elementary. He also chairs the FSSD Disciplinary Hearing Authority and Personnel Hearing Authority.

Esslinger holds a doctorate in leadership and educational practice from Trevecca Nazarene University, a master’s of education in administration and supervision from Middle Tennessee State University, and a bachelor’s degree in biology/teaching from Lipscomb University.