On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, Chuck Francis, Chairman of the Haywood County Schools Board of Education was elected President of the North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA).  Francis was elected by the Delegate Assembly representing members from local school boards across the state.  The Delegate Assembly was part of the NCSBA Annual Meeting in Greensboro.  As the President of the NCSBA, Francis will work to plan and implement association activities designed to support public school children, staff and boards in North Carolina.   

The newly elected President Francis was introduced by Haywood County Schools’ Superintendent, Dr. Anne Garrett.  She reviewed Francis’ service on the Haywood County Board of Education beginning with his initial election in 2000 and election as Chairman in 2004.  During that time period, Francis worked with other board members, the community and school staff to lead the school district through a number of successful activities and events.  These activities include, a 25 million dollar bond that finished on time and under budget, flood recovery and restoration, and significant academic and extra curricular student success.

Before addressing the Delegate Assembly, President Francis was “passed the gavel” from former president “Coach” White from Charlotte.  During his acceptance speech, Francis the support he had received from his wife, fellow board members, the community and school district employees.  He asked other local school board members across the state to “be bold” in their support of public education.  He encouraged local board members to know their facts and work hard to support local schools.