FCS Appoints New Director of Leadership Development and Employee Relations & New AP for Bunn Middle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 4, 2026 

Media Contact: 

Dr. Dawayne McIntosh 

Franklin County Schools 

Franklin County Schools Appoints New Director of Leadership Development and Employee Relations and New Assistant Principal for Bunn Middle School 

LOUISBURG, N.C. — Franklin County Schools is pleased to announce the appointments of Jennifer D. Innis, Ed.D., as Director of Leadership Development and Employee Relations and Lorena Dauphinee as Assistant Principal of Bunn Middle School. 

The Franklin County Board of Education approved both leadership appointments, positioning the district for continued success as it prepares for the 2026–2027 school year. Effective Aug. 4, Dr. Jennifer D. Innis will serve as Director of Leadership Development and Employee Relations, and Lorena Dauphinee will serve as Assistant Principal of Bunn Middle School. 

Lorena Dauphinee Named Assistant Principal of Bunn Middle School 

Dauphinee brings a strong background in elementary education, instructional leadership, and student support to her new role. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Child Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Dallas, where she also completed her Early Childhood through Sixth Grade teaching certification and English as a Second Language (ESL) certification. 

She began her career at Jill Stone Elementary School in Dallas Independent School District, teaching bilingual English Language Arts and fourth-grade English Language Arts. In 2022, she relocated to North Carolina and joined Franklin County Schools as a fourth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Long Mill Elementary School. 

During the 2025–2026 school year, Dauphinee completed her principal internship at Franklinton Middle School while participating in North Carolina State University's acclaimed Principal Preparation Program as a member of the Los Lobos Cohort. In May 2026, she earned a Master of School Administration from North Carolina State University. Her experience in the classroom, combined with her leadership preparation, family engagement, and commitment to student success, has prepared her well for this new leadership role. 

“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” 

— C. S. Lewis 

“It is with deep humility and great enthusiasm that I joined the team. As someone anchored in purpose, I believe that every student, every teacher, and every family hold sparks of brilliance that, when nurtured, illuminates our entire community. I look forward to partnering with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the people we serve.” 

- Lorena Dauphinee 

Jennifer D. Innis, Ed.D. Appointed Director of Leadership Development and Employee Relations 

Innis brings more than two decades of experience in public education, school leadership, and professional learning. She has served as an elementary teacher, reading specialist, assistant principal, and most recently as Assistant Principal at Bunn Middle School. Throughout her career, she has focused on instructional excellence, staff development, student achievement, and building positive school cultures. 

She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, a Master of Arts in Education from East Carolina University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her extensive educational background and leadership experience position her to support employees across the district through high-quality professional development and collaborative leadership. 

“I am so excited to embrace this new role and serve the people of Franklin County Schools! I am a firm believer that every educator has the potential to lead, every employee contributes to the total success of our organization, and every student deserves our very best opportunities to learn and grow. By cultivating trust, investing in our leadership, and empowering our people, we will cultivate a stronger future in Franklin County together. Rooted in excellence and united by our common purpose.” 

Dr. Jennifer D. Innis