Cobbs Named New Superintendent, Starts Dec 1

ROCKY MOUNT – Dr. Bernice Cobbs was appointed as the next superintendent of Franklin
County Public Schools at today’s school board meeting. The school board conducted a
nationwide search that included 15 applicants and a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Cobbs will
formally assume the role of Superintendent on December 1, 2020.
Dr. Cobbs currently serves as assistant principal of Franklin County High School and has
previously served as principal of Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Director of K-5 Curriculum
and Instruction, principal of Boone Mill Elementary School and principal of Snow Creek
Elementary School in Franklin County Public Schools.
Dr. Cobbs was named Virginia Middle School Principal of the Year in 2019, Ferrum College
Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008, received the Virginia Lottery Excellence in Education
Award in 2005, Franklin County Public Schools Teacher of the Year in 2004, and has received
many other awards and accolades during her career in public education.
“I am honored to be selected as the next superintendent of Franklin County Public Schools,”
said Cobbs. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with the School Board, staff,
community, families and students of Franklin County. I especially look forward to the
collaborative teamwork to enhance student achievement.”
“With her experience and involvement in our community, Dr. Cobbs is an ideal choice to guide
Franklin County Public Schools into the future,” stated Julie Nix, chair of the Franklin County
School Board. “We are excited to move forward under her leadership.”
Cobbs earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech, a
Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Radford University, a Master of Education
in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia, a Bachelor of Arts from Ferrum
College, and an Associate of Science Degree from Virginia Western Community College.
The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) assisted the school board with the
superintendent search process.

Dr. Cobbs’ contract begins December 1, and runs through June 30, 2023 at an annual salary of $125,000 per year.