FCS Unscripted

Ever wondered how young leaders balance school, entrepreneurship, and community service? Meet Elle Bevington and Stephen Lemon, our star student board members from Franklin County High School and Western Hills High School. Elle, a senior, is not just class president but also an entrepreneur running her own gift shop, Neat Down South. Stephen, a junior, is diving headfirst into dual-enrollment cour...

Jennifer Kantner's journey from local student to board chair of Franklin County Schools is both inspiring and deeply personal. Growing up in Frankfort and now guiding the educational future for her two daughters, Jennifer offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of ensuring quality education. As she steps into her role, she candidly shares what it’s like to be a key decision...

Imagine waking up to a winter wonderland, only to wonder if school is still on. Superintendent Kopp shares his personal journey from childhood snow days in southern Ohio to the challenging decisions he faces today as head of Franklin County Schools. Discover the meticulous process that unfolds as early as 3:30 a.m., when Kopp, alongside Brad McKinney and Jennifer Perkins, ventures out to assess ro...

Can public tax dollars pave the path for private education? Join us on FCS Unscripted as we confront this pressing issue with superintendents Mark Kopp, SherI Satterly, Sheila Mitchell, and Billy Parker. The spotlight is on Amendment 2, A legislative measure that could drastically reshape education funding. With 100,000 students currently outside the public system, we explore the potential $420 mi...

What if your local school's facilities could rival those of a professional sports complex? Join us on this episode of FCS Unscripted, where we sit down with Jennifer Perkins, Chief Operating Officer of Franklin County Schools, to discover the transformative upgrades sweeping the district. From the expansive new grandstands at our football fields, perfect for packed graduation ceremonies, to t...

What if you could unlock the secrets to a thriving school year, straight from the minds of our passionate Franklin County Schools administrators? Get ready to be inspired as we chat with leaders who are buzzing with excitement and innovative ideas for the 2024 academic season. Starting with Megan Barton and Brittany Beach from Hearn Elementary, you'll hear about their dynamic plans to engage...

What does it take to make decisions that truly prioritize the needs of students, even when they're not popular with the adults? Dive into this thought-provoking conversation with Mr. Chuck Fletcher, an experienced board member of Franklin County Schools, as he joins Superintendent Kopp on FCS Unscripted. With eight years of dedicated service under his belt, Chuck talks about the value of team...

Prepare for a celebration like no other, as wereveal the ins and outs of our upcoming graduation festivities in Franklin County. This Saturday’s ceremonies are not just a rite of passage; they're the culmination of years of dedication from our students. In this special episode of FCS Unscripted, we whisk you behind the scenes to explore the preparations and contingencies in place for our outd...

Feel the rush of anticipation as Franklin County Schools gear up for pivotal moments that set the pace for the future. I'm Superintendent Mark Kopp, and in this episode of FCS Unscripted, we're crossing the academic finish line with the same gusto as Derby contenders in their final furlong. Join us as we explore the vital contributions of the Frankfort Plant Board, detailed by our esteem...

Step into a powerful retelling of history as we unite with Katima Smith-Willis, Kristy Powe, and Larry Murphy to illuminate the profound lessons of the 1964 March on Frankfort. Our discussion promises to bridge generations, revealing how the march not only shaped local history but continues to inspire current and future activists. Together, we dissect the event's monumental influence on the s...

Ever wondered what goes into the decision-making process when schools are faced with severe weather conditions? Join us as Superintendent Kopp peels back the curtain on the complexities surrounding school closures in Franklin County, especially during the teeth-chattering chill of winter. This episode promises to arm you with an understanding of the intricate balance between safety and education a...

Join us as we enter the world of Mr. Terry Johnson, a pillar of the Franklin County community, who's dedicated five decades to shaping young minds in the hallowed halls of Franklin County High School. We unravel his extraordinary life story, which includes a passion for languages, sports, and cuisine. Over a candid conversation, he reveals how a seemingly ordinary day turned into a life-chang...

Get ready for an engaging conversation with Josh Scott, a stellar high school student who's mastering the field of football and the art of leadership. From winning the prestigious Heisman High School Scholarship to serving as class president at Western Hills High School, Josh's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and ambition. Listen in as he shares his strategies for succes...

Want to uncover the secrets behind the remarkable growth of Franklin County Schools? Join us as we pull back the curtain on our district's success with our special guest, Kimberly Young, the Director of Assessment and Program Effectiveness. Kimberly guides us through the fascinating world of test scores and accountability, shedding light on the process, as well as the impressive achievements...

Ever wondered how an electrician or a diesel mechanic could transfer their skills into a classroom? You're about to get your answers from two extraordinary educators, Allen Neal and Ryan Shouse, who did just that at the Franklin County Schools Career Tech Center. Their captivating stories of transformation and passion for imparting practical wisdom will leave you inspired. Allen, once an elec...

Ever wondered about the transformative journey of an education board member from a humble background? Join us in a captivating conversation with our guest, Larry Perkins, the board vice chairman of Franklin County Schools. Larry, defying his economically challenging upbringing, has become a trailblazer for children often overlooked. He shares his unwavering commitment to giving students an array o...

Unravel the complexities of educational leadership with us as we sit down with our seasoned guest, Scott Murphy from the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC). A stalwart in the realm of education, Scott’s diverse experience, from being a middle school teacher to a director for English and professional development, brings a depth of understanding to the table. His insights into the growth...

Who said positivity and humor can't change the world? Join me, Superintendent Mark Kopp, in a lively banter with four young visionaries from Bondurant Middle School. Avery Bishop, Emma Collingsworth, Eleanor Bishop, and Campbell Goins, with the help of their school counselor, Brooke Fell, bring to the spotlight their unique initiative, "The Kind Line". A student-led project, The Kin...

This episode of FCS Unscripted is riveting, to say the least, with our special guest being Haleigh Huff, a dedicated science teacher with a particular love for geology. Her unique perspective on teaching and her passion for connecting students to the natural world promises an engaging and enlightening conversation. Haley's tale takes us from her transition from biology to geology, her innovat...

What would you say if you had the chance to get an intimate glimpse into the lives of the individuals shaping our children's education? Prepare to have that curiosity satiated as we engage in a candid conversation with Beth Lodmell, Nick Barton, and Cassie House - three remarkable elementary school principals in our district. As they share about their personal journeys, their families, and th...

How would you like to be part of the transformative journey that is reshaping the landscape of Franklin County Schools? Your hosts, Superintendent Mark Kopp and Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Perkins, are all set to give you a firsthand look at the exciting developments that are making headlines in your neighborhood! From the new grandstands at our high schools to the innovative lighting featur...

Have you ever wondered how a simple idea can transform into a powerful movement? Olivia Atkins, Caroline Blackburn, and Griffin McElmuray, a trio of remarkable students from Franklin County High School, are here to share their journey of creating the Flyers Care Project - an initiative that began with creating t-shirts and evolved into a life-affirming message delivered through banners in the high...

Ready to cheer on our victorious local high school football teams? We’re celebrating the stellar start to the season, but there’s more to tackle. From the late summer heatwave that's playing havoc with our outdoor school activities, to the ACP initiatives providing discounted internet and technology to eligible families, to the new attendance goals and policies, and exciting technology initia...

Get ready to hear from Superintendent Mark Kopp discussing the latest happenings in our school district. We express our gratitude for the families and staff who've made the start of the school year such a success. Also on our radar are the upcoming preschool screenings, and we have an enlightening conversation with Erin Harrell, our coordinator for early childhood and preschool. We unwrap the...

What if you could peek behind the curtains of a thriving school district and learn about the unsung heroes who make it all possible? Well, that’s exactly what we’re doing in this episode of FCS Unscripted! As your host, Superintendent Mark Kopp, I’m taking you on a tour of Franklin County Schools' first week back. Hear about the remarkable work of our transportation and maintenance department...