Two longtime Franklin schools administrators will be retiring from their positions at the end of this school year, and they’ve both earned a state award for their decades of work.
Jeff Mercer, executive director of finance, and Deb Brown-Nally, executive director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, were given Circle of Corydon awards. The statewide award is given to Hoosiers who demonstrate, in their life and service, qualities of the state’s greatest citizens, according to the award’s inscription.
The surprise awards were given to them by State Rep. John Young, R-Franklin.
Superintendent David Clendening showed gratitude for his experience working with the two administrators for the past decade.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
“Ten years ago, I moved here and Jeff was the first person I met. I remember that day traveling around and learning about his back story. I learned about the Mercer family and what they mean to Franklin. I was fortunate to be part of that team,” Clendening said.
“I couldn’t ask for a better person to help life go round. Jeff has been stalwart. In life you come across someone who leaves an indelible mark. He does so.”
Clendening remembered Brown-Nally for her ability to nurture students and teachers in their time of most need.
“There are so many stories of helping kids who needed extra love or teachers who needed someone to talk to,” Clendening said. “When difficult times came, Deb was there with a smile. That’s what I’ll remember.”
Mercer, who served 21 years with Franklin schools, played a key part in the effort to get a referendum passed in Franklin that will raise salaries for teachers and support staff and bridge a gap in services for students who need mental health services.
“I’m very appreciative and as you reflect back on your entire career you just hope you’ve made a difference and this is validation that someone else thought you did,” Mercer said of the award. “I didn’t come from Franklin originally, but this is our family. It’s been my kids’ family in times of difficulty and we’ve had plenty. The community rallies around us every time. I’ve never experienced that anyplace else.”
Mercer plans to go into woodworking in his retirement, and wants to work with horses and raise a garden, along with spending more time with his family and his grandson, he said.
Brown-Nally has been with Franklin schools for 33 years and is leaving on a high note after introducing classes in the science, technology, engineering and math fields, commonly known as STEM, for the first time in the district’s elementary schools, she said.
“I’m leaving on an all-time high having started the elementary STEM program this past year and adding instructional coaches to every building this year. Two of the best things the district has done I’ve had an integral part in. I’m leaving the district in great hands and I’m very confident great things will happen for the district,” Brown-Nally said.
“When you leave at the end of your career, you hope you’ve made a difference. I’ve been hearing humbling words tonight, and I’m leaving tonight with a full heart that I’ve had an impact on the district.”
Brown-Nally plans to pursue a second career in real estate, she said.
Tina Gross and Brooke Worland will replace Mercer and Brown-Nally respectively.
