The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
The Board of Education on November 21 once again went internal to fill open positions, choosing two district veterans for top administrative positions.
The Board officially named Nicholas Solomon as the district’s new Director of School Management, and named Nubeja Allen as the new principal of Franklin Middle School – Hamilton Street campus.
Solomon takes the position vacated by longtime administrator Orvyl Wilson, who is retiring at the end of the year. Allen takes the position previously held by Torrie Rumph-Hurd, who is also retiring.
Both administrators will fill their new positions in January, 2025.
Solomon’s position change leaves a vacancy in Franklin High School’s principal’s office, which Solomon has occupied since 2021.
Schools Superintendent John Ravally said after the Board meeting that he would start working on filling that vacancy immediately.
Allen is also a district veteran, having served as an elementary school vice-principal and, most recently, as a secondary district math supervisor. She also has out-of-district experience as a high school vice-principal and math teacher.
Allen told the Board that her appointment “is truly a moment.”
“As a supervisor in the district for 14 years, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working at all three of our secondary schools,” she said. “Truly, the middle schools in Franklin have become my passion, although my career has been at the high school level.”
“I look forward to working with the families and the students of Hamilton Street School, not only over our three years together, but supporting them in their transition to the high school,” she said.
Referring to Rebekah Solomon, principal at Franklin Middle School – Sampson G. Smith campus, Allen said, “I look forward to partnering with Ms. Solomon as one middle school, two campus principals. We’re gonna make some things happen.”
“So thank you again for the opportunity, and I promise to make you all proud,” she said.
Solomon, a 22-year district veteran and a native Franklinite, said he was “appreciative of the board to always have confidence in me, and trust in me, and the work that I’ve been doing over this time, and I just want to say thank you.”
“This position means a lot to me,” Solomon said.
“And during my educational journey as a teacher, dean, vice principal, principal, principal, dean, vice-principal, principal, principal again, Mr. Wilson has been there every step of the way and I just want to say thank you,” he said.
“And I do recognize I have some big shoes to fill,” Solomon said. “I’m never going to replace 40-plus years of educational experience, but I’m going to try each and every day to.”
“And I look forward to working with each of you in a different capacity now, but looking forward to keep on pushing forward, continue to fight the good fight,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the work. I’m looking forward to continue to reach more students, more families. I’m excited about the opportunity.”
Board members praised their new hires.
I would like to wish them the best on their journey and let them know that we are here to help them in any way we can,” Board member Jimmie Parker said.
“Congratulations, and best of luck,” said Board member Erica Inocencio.
“Congratulations to Ms. Allen and Dr. Solomon,” said Board member Laurie Merris. “I know that we can count on you. You have wonderful track records, and I know that there are going to be exciting things that happen as a result of having these new hires.”
“I know that Dr. Solomon’s going to bring it up another level,” Board member Bill Grippo said. “I’m going to miss Orvyl, it’s been so many years working together. And Nubeja, who’s a great colleague, is going to do great, definitely.”
“Just to echo what everybody else is saying, congratulations to the two new hires,” Board member Dr. Dennis Hopkins said. “They are stakeholders in the community and will continue on the journey.”
“Congratulations Dr. Solomon, you’ve been a great principal,” Board member Walter Jackson said. “It’s an exciting journey and it’s cool because you’re still home. So much success.”
“Miss Allen, congratulations on being the principal,” he said. “Another step up. I know the kids will be excited for what you will have to bring and offer to our district.”
Board member Nancy LaCorte has a message for Nicholas Solomon’s mother, who was in the audience.
“I asked her son, what is his why?” she said. “Because it was a conversation I had with my daughter about what is your purpose when she was a teenager. So it’s kind of a great thing to ask somebody, and it’s a great driving force. And he said, his why is to make you proud. And as a mother … I just think that that is a wonderful thing that he made his mom proud.”
“Congratulations Dr. Solomon, I know you’re going to do a great, great job,” Board vice-president Sami Shaban said.
Board president Ardamon Singh said that she was “very proud of the people who are leading our schools and leading our district, our cabinets, and people who are rising onward and upwards. Deep congratulations to all of you.”
