DR. CARY Holman, director of Franklin County Schools, embodies excellence from his visionary outlook to his relentless pursuit of education and deep love for his community. Born and raised in Franklin County, he was raised entirely within the county’s school system. After graduating from Franklin County High School in 1989, he ventured out for his higher education, later returning to his hometown as a teacher at his old elementary school in Decherd.
The central office soon hired Holman to work with at-risk North Middle School and South Middle School students. After serving there for a year, he realized his true calling was in the classroom.
He served as assistant principal at North Junior High School for two years, but it was only a short time before he earned the distinguished principal position at Clark Memorial Elementary School.
Throughout his academic journey, Holman had a strong support system in the form of his family, especially his loving mother.
“My mom was tapped into our well-being. She wanted to make sure that we did well in school,” he recalls.
“We didn’t have a lot growing up, but she was very persistent in creating a loving family. So the backdrop of my experience continues to motivate me to strengthen my own educational pursuits.”
A tenacious educational leader, Holman began his higher education journey at Motlow State Community College, where he earned his associate degree. He then obtained his bachelor’s degree at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and his master’s degree at Tennessee State University.
He later attended Middle Tennessee State University, receiving his educational specialist degree. In 2020, he earned his doctorate from the prestigious American College of Education.
Holman’s extensive experience in the field includes teaching first, fifth, and sixth grades and serving in various director and administrative roles.
“I have always been an educational diehard. I love everything about education and believe it is truly the foundation of everything that exists. It is the most noble profession there is,” he remarked.
Holman is also a servant leader who works in ministry and believes wholeheartedly, “If you’re going to do something, do it to the best of your ability and with compassion. Do it with the desire that you are impacting not just yourself but others as well.”
When Holman was an administrator in Rutherford County, he had a powerful vision to connect the school and the community. He brought that vision to life with Project Feed, leading a canned food drive and providing a hot meal for everyone every Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
For 15 years, the team served at least 1,000 meals annually. Though the event received a lot of positive news coverage, their real reward was honoring the community. Many of the children continued the program in high school, sparking and expanding a beautiful tradition.
When the opportunity to serve as director of Franklin County Schools presented itself, Holman immediately decided to pursue it.
“Franklin County Schools worked for me, so why not go and work and lead the Franklin County School District? So hence, me being named director of schools there,” he said.
Holman did his doctoral dissertation on a school counselor’s perspective on how student behavior affects school culture and climate, a premise he would later use to start organizations and shift school cultures, leaving a lasting legacy on students, educators, and staff all over Tennessee.
With a heart full of passion for the growth and development of students, Holman has graced state and national conferences, weaving tales of their experiences and breakthroughs surrounding student relationships, school culture, and educational leadership.
Armed with effective research-based strategies and insights, Holman is a beacon of light, guiding leaders toward creating impactful environments that inspire students to thrive.
“What I have found in my years of service is that there’s a significant amount of power that a person is able to establish when he or she takes the time to build relationships and connect with children,” he said.
Holman humbly credits his fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Charlene Simmons, as a beacon of hope in his life. He said his teachers contributed immensely to his growth and development, each bringing their unique flavor to the table. Holman also noted that his leadership style is a culmination of valuable lessons learned from working with excellent principals in the past.
As the leader of Franklin County Schools, Holman is determined to help the Franklin County community reach new heights in their educational journey. Although he recognizes that challenges are on the horizon, he views them as opportunities to grow and improve.
One of his primary leadership principles is to turn problems into opportunities while building transparent connections within the community. Holman aims to empower, encourage, and enhance all stakeholders, including teachers and students, to achieve statewide and nationwide recognition for Franklin County Schools.
“Having that desire, that vision, that role — then as a leader, I’ve got to make sure that we have the resources and the connections that it will take to continue to accelerate our school district.” GN
