Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Schuhler Announces Retirement After More Than Three Decades of Service in Public Education

Franklin County Schools

Published on: August 29th, 2025

Franklin County Schools (FCS) Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Schuhler announced her retirement yesterday afternoon during the Board of Education work session, marking the culmination of a distinguished 32-year career in public education in North Carolina. Dr. Schuhler, who has served as superintendent of FCS since November 2017, will officially retire effective January 1, 2026.

Reflecting on her tenure, Dr. Schuhler expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the district through both challenges and growth.

“Serving as superintendent of Franklin County Schools has been more than a job—it has been an honor and a privilege,” said Dr. Schuhler. “The relationships built, challenges faced, and successes celebrated will always hold a special place in my heart and mind. I am confident that the strong foundation now in place will allow Franklin County Schools to continue moving forward in a positive direction.”

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Dr. Schuhler began her career in 1993 as an elementary classroom teacher, later serving as an assistant principal and principal. At the district level, she has held multiple leadership positions, including Director of Personnel Development, Director of Professional Development and Innovation, Executive Director of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction, and Assistant and Associate Superintendent.

She joined Franklin County Schools in 2014 as Assistant (and later, Associate) Superintendent for Curriculum, providing district-level leadership before being named superintendent in 2017. Over the past seven-plus years, Dr. Schuhler has guided the district through significant academic and organizational growth, including the development and adoption of the district’s five-year strategic plan, strengthening community partnerships, and fostering innovation across classrooms.

She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University, a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and both an Ed.S and Ed.D in Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Professional Recognition

In addition to her work in Franklin County, Dr. Schuhler has earned statewide recognition for her leadership. She has served as president of the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development (NCASLD),  and president of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA). She has served on the executive boards of NCSSA, NCASA, and as past and current chair of the Board of Directors for CCRESA.

She spearheaded and continues to lead the “Women in the Lead” cohort through NCSSA, supporting and empowering female superintendents across the state. She has also served as a thought partner and presenter with the Aspiring Superintendents Program through NCSSA.

Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including:

• CCRESA Superintendent of the Year (2023) 
• Recipient of the Dr. Brad Sneeden Leadership Award (2020) through NCSSA’s Next Generation Superintendent Development Program

Dr. Schuhler is deeply involved in her community, having served on the Board of Directors for both the United Way of Franklin County and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.

Impact

Board of Education Chair Meghan Jordan praised Dr. Schuhler’s leadership and commitment to students and staff.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Rhonda Schuhler for her eight years of outstanding leadership. She has been nothing short of amazing for our district. She has stretched us and helped us grow in ways that will benefit students and staff for years to come. Her decisions have always centered on what’s best for children, and she has consistently supported our staff with both strength and grace. She has stood firm when needed, been flexible when possible, and always led with integrity. We have been fortunate to have such a true leader guiding our schools, and her impact will be felt long beyond her tenure. While we will deeply miss her leadership, we are committed to building on the strong foundation she has laid as we continue moving forward in service to our students and community,” said Jordan.

Looking Ahead

As she prepares for retirement, Dr. Schuhler emphasized that while she will no longer serve in the superintendent’s role, her dedication to public education will remain steadfast.

“Although I will be retiring, my commitment to public education will not end,” said Dr. Schuhler. “I will continue to advocate for the resources and policies our students need, and as a proud member of this community, I will always support Franklin County.”

Between now and January 1, Dr. Schuhler remains fully committed to serving Franklin County Schools and ensuring a smooth transition.