Brittney Lofthouse – Staff Writer
After nine years serving as the Athletic Director of Franklin High School, Jay Brooks submitted his resignation to the Board of Education on Monday night.
“I just want to teach and coach,” Brooks said. “I have had great support from the principals, county athletic directors, superintendents, coaches, and a whole line of others during my tenure as Athletic Director. I was supported daily in all areas. I look forward to spending more time with my family. I am excited about being able to spend more time in becoming a better coach and teacher.”
Brooks was first hired as the Athletic Director in July 2009 and has worked to grow the athletic programs and improve facilities throughout Macon County over the last nine years.
“Coach Jay Brooks was an excellent athletic director,” said Macon County Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Baldwin. “His rapport with students, his work ethic and his commitment to Franklin High School will be very difficult to replace.”
Brooks won’t be leaving Franklin High School. In the same motion that approved Brooks’ resignation, the board of education also approved the request that he continue serving the Panthers as a assistant varsity football coach. Brooks said that he also plans to continue serving as the Head Men’s and Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Coach, pending board approval.
Brooks’ resignation isn’t abrupt and something school administration has been aware of for months.
“Coach Jay spoke to me earlier in the year about wanting to spend more time with his family,” said FHS Principal Barry Woody. “He has done an outstanding job as AD. I understand his reason for stepping down, and I support him. He will still be a teacher and coach here at FHS.”
While serving as the high school’s Athletic Director, Brooks has taught two classes a day. Now that he will no longer be the Athletic Director after June, Brooks plans to once again teach a full class load while also coaching.
With nearly a decade of experience serving as AD, Brooks said the most rewarding part of the job has been “being able to help our student athletes and coaches is what is most rewarding.”
Because Brooks’ resignation was expected, the board of education also voted to accept Woody’s recommendation of approving Assistant Principal Blair King to also serve as the new AD of Franklin High School.
“The district plans to support Franklin High School in filling the position of athletic director,” said Dr. Baldwin. “Mr. Woody has requested, and the board approved last night, that assistant principal King assume some of the athletic director duties. It is my understanding that Mr. Woody has additional plans for this position.”
