Francom stepping down as Troy Schools superintendent

Troy Junior and Senior High School Superintendent Jacob Francom announced his resignation last week.

Francom will serve at the school district until July 1 before becoming the founding principal of North Idaho Classical Academy in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Francom said he informed school trustee members of his decision by letter and phone calls on April 27.

“I’ve been very happy in Troy and there’s nothing in particular that has led me to wanting to make a change,” Francom said in a phone interview Friday with The Western News. “It seems every year I’ve been contacted about a different job and this position is very intriguing to me.”

Troy Public Schools may not have to look far for its next superintendent because Christina Schertel was on the agenda for consideration for the position at the May 1 school board meeting.

Schertel has served as a vice principal at the high school and as the director of Special Education.

“Christina stepped down as an administrator for the past year due to some family concerns, but she did continue as special education teacher and I’m happy to see her getting the opportunity to lead the schools,” Francom said.

Schertel was named the Special Education Teacher of the Year in 2018 by the Montana Council for Exceptional Children.

Troy School Board Chair Lori Damon said she is happy for Francom.

“I’m excited for him and we wish him the best, but I’ll miss him and I’d rather have him here for the next 10 years,” Damon said in a phone interview Friday with The Western News. “He’s done so much for the district and he’s always had the student’s best interests at heart.”

Damon said she considers the school district very fortunate that Schertel is interested in becoming the next superintendent.

“I feel comfortable in recommending Christina for the job,” Damon said. “She’s been an assistant principal, a principal and she knows the community.

“She has big shoes to fill, but we’re hoping to make a smooth and quick transition because we know how difficult it can be to recruit people,” Damon added.

Francom, 44, came to the Troy School District in 2010 as the principal and added the title and responsibilities of superintendent in 2013.

“I’m the second-longest serving superintendent in Troy and I think I’m the longest-serving current super in the region at one school district,” Francom said. “I’ve made a lot of relationships in Troy and the day to day interactions with students and staff are what I’ll miss the most.”

Francom was named the 2015-2016 Principal of the Year by the Montana Association of Secondary School Principals.

“There will always be a list of things to get done, but I’m comfortable with our accomplishments,” he said. “The changes we’ve been able to make to bring the school into the 21st century will have generational impact.

“We’ve been able to institute many improvements over the years, such as wireless access, a quality playground, a curricular review process every five years, safety improvements, better security, things that needed to happen,” Francom said. “I’m proud of the fact that we’ve improved in all areas that a school needs to function well.”

Francom also touted the $3 million in outside grants and donations that have been secured during his tenure and the fact that the district didn’t have to seek bonds or levies for operations or projects.

"I am proud to have been a part of the team that helped bring about these many positive changes and to have worked alongside such dedicated and talented staff members," Francom wrote in his resignation letter. "It has also been a pleasure to work with a supportive community that has demonstrated a deep commitment to the education of our students."

Troy School Board member Terry Holmes was effusive in his praise of Francom.

“On one hand, it is with extreme joy and happiness for you and Jill that I write this email this morning, as you move forward in furthering your career in the education world,” Holmes wrote in an email to Francom. “You have the ability to make the world a better place wherever you go.

“I am positive your new opportunity will bless the lives of many and I and Marcine as your friends and myself as a board member would like to sincerely thank you for your outstanding contribution to the Troy School District over the past 13 years. Your character has been exemplary. Your leadership has been awesome and your contribution to all you have served has been beyond expectation.”

But Holmes also expressed regret that Francom is leaving.

“On the other hand and for selfish reasons, I am extremely sad for the Troy School Districts, the students, staff, teachers and administration that you will not be the superintendent of the districts henceforth.

“We will miss you as a person, we will miss your friendliness, we will miss your wisdom, will miss your skills and talents, and we will miss your outstanding leadership of the districts.”