New Henry Clay High School principal investigated by previous district; charges dropped
The new leader of Lexington’s Henry Clay High School, hired from an Indiana school district, was investigated for “potential district policy violations” in his previous position but the charges were ultimately dismissed, reports say.
Fayette district spokeswoman Dia Davidson-Smith confirmed that Corye Franklin has been hired to lead Henry Clay. He replaces Paul Little, who will work district-wide next year, providing administrative support where needed.
WRTV in Indianapolis has reported that Franklin, a principal at Arsenel Tech High School in Indianapolis Public Schools, was placed on administrative leave on August 30, 2022, pending an investigation into potential policy violations.
Franklin was eventually reinstated to his position and received a strong recommendation from the IPS superintendent. Fayette County officials are “confident he will be a strong leader for Henry Clay,” Davidson told the Herald-Leader Monday.
Indianapolis Public Schools General Counsel Ken Pack said Franklin wasn’t disciplined and that the allegations were dismissed after an investigation, WRTV reported. Franklin resigned in December.
Pack did not return messages from the Herald-Leader Monday.
Little spent 18 years at Henry Clay: 11 years as an associate principal, and seven as the head principal.
In a letter to families Wednesday, Liggins said Arsenal Technical High School was the largest high school in Indianapolis Public Schools.
He did not mention the investigation in Indianapolis involving Franklin.
Liggins said Franklin is an accomplished and highly passionate educator with nearly two decades of experience in public education. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, adjunct instructor and a mentor for teachers and new leaders.
“What most impressed me about Dr. Franklin throughout the principal selection process was his knowledge and focus on student achievement and improving the outcomes for all students,” said Liggins.
Franklin earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in Spanish from Indiana University, a master’s degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a doctorate in educational and organizational leadership from Marian University.
With a focus on data, instruction and student achievement, Franklin supports a climate conducive to increased academic performance and he is dedicated to creating equitable spaces, opportunities and possibilities for all students, the letter said.
Franklin’s work as a K-12 classroom teacher and leader of diverse educational institutions, like a Spanish Immersion School, has prepared him to lead Henry Clay, Liggins said.
“His unwavering commitment to empowering the HCHS staff and students with the necessary tools for success, all while honoring the school’s rich history and cherished traditions, sets the stage for a promising future,” said the letter.
