Franklin County Board of Education Approves Key Leadership Appointments for 2026-2027 School Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2026

LOUISBURG, N.C. — The Franklin County Board of Education approved several leadership appointments during its June meeting, positioning the district for continued success as it prepares for the 2026-2027 school year. Effective July 1, Ashley Stephens will serve as Principal of Louisburg Magnet High School, Latelle Williams will serve as Director of Transportation, and Dr. Dawayne McIntosh will serve as Chief Communications Officer.

Ashley Stephens Named Principal of Louisburg Magnet High School

Stephens brings extensive experience in school leadership, innovation, strategic planning, and student achievement. Throughout her career, she has led district and school-level initiatives focused on school improvement, instructional excellence, stakeholder engagement, and student success. Most recently, she served as Director of School Innovation for Durham Public Schools, where she supported districtwide programs, school improvement efforts, and strategic initiatives. Her background also includes service as an assistant principal and classroom educator.

"I am honored and excited to join the Louisburg Magnet High School community," said Stephens. "Louisburg has a strong tradition of excellence, innovation, and student success, and I look forward to building upon that foundation. I am eager to partner with students, staff, families, and the broader community to build on existing successes while exploring new ways to enhance teaching, learning, and student experiences. Together, we will continue creating a school where every student is empowered to grow, achieve, and thrive."

Latelle Williams Appointed Director of Transportation

Williams returns home to Franklin County Schools with a deep understanding of the community and a passion for serving students and families. A former assistant principal at Youngsville Elementary School, he brings experience in school leadership, operations, accountability, and transportation coordination. His familiarity with Franklin County and commitment to student safety make him well-positioned to lead the district's transportation department.

Most recently, Williams served in a district leadership role supporting accountability and assessment operations while continuing to build expertise in organizational leadership and operational systems.

"I am excited to come home to the county I love dearly and serve the students, families, and staff of Franklin County Schools," said Williams. "Transportation is often the first and last interaction students have with our school system each day, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated transportation team to ensure every child arrives safely, efficiently, and ready to learn."

Dr. Dawayne McIntosh Appointed Chief Communications Officer

The Board also approved the appointment of Dr. Dawayne McIntosh as Chief Communications Officer.

In this expanded leadership role, McIntosh will provide strategic leadership for the newly aligned Office of Public Affairs, which is being developed to strengthen districtwide recruitment, family and community engagement, branding, marketing, communications, and enrollment growth efforts.

The transition reflects the district's continued focus on strategic growth and stakeholder engagement as Franklin County continues to experience rapid population growth. As the Office of Public Affairs expands, McIntosh will oversee a growing team dedicated to supporting communications, public relations, marketing, community outreach, enrollment initiatives, and family engagement programs designed to strengthen connections between schools and the community.

Since 2020, McIntosh has served as the district's lead communications strategist, overseeing public affairs, media relations, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, branding, marketing, digital communications, and community outreach efforts. As a member of the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet, he provides strategic counsel to district leadership while helping advance organizational priorities through effective communication and community engagement.

Under his leadership, Franklin County Schools has earned 41 North Carolina School Public Relations Association Blue Ribbon Awards and launched numerous initiatives focused on employee recognition, parent engagement, community partnerships, and stakeholder communications.

"I am honored to continue serving Franklin County Schools in this new capacity," said McIntosh. "As our district continues to grow, so does the importance of building meaningful connections with students, families, employees, and our community. I look forward to leading the Office of Public Affairs as we expand our efforts in communications, engagement, branding, recruitment, marketing, and enrollment to support the future of Franklin County Schools."

These appointments reflect Franklin County Schools' continued investment in strong leadership and its commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences and services for students, families, and staff.

Additional leadership appointments and staffing updates for the 2026-2027 school year will be announced throughout the summer.