Avon Lake School Has A New Principal

AVON LAKE, OH — James Franko will become the Eastview Elementary School principal starting next year, after the Avon Lake Board of Education voted to award him a contract. Current principal, Michael Matthews, is moving into a position with the Fairview Park City Schools.

Franko has spent his career in public education. He is currently a principal at Thoreau Park Elementary School in Parma, a position he has held for two years. Prior to becoming principal, he taught Title I, First-grade, Kindergarten, and was an assistant principal at an elementary and middle school.

He was also a high school soccer coach for 10 years. Franko is an active member of the Parma City Schools Educational Foundation and a 1998 graduate of Parma Senior High School.

“While we wish Mr. Matthews well, we are excited to bring Jamie to our team,” said Robert Scott, Avon Lake City Schools superintendent, in a statement. “We received 75 applications for the position and conducted two rounds of interviews which included parents, Eastview staff, and district administration. Jamie has an outstanding career in Parma and the interview committee recommended him as the best fit for Eastview. He will be a great addition to Avon Lake.”

Franko lives in Avon with his wife, Alyssa; and two sons, Liam, 4, and Mason, 2.

Franko received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Education degree from Notre Dame College (Ohio). He obtained his principal and superintendent's license from Ursuline College.

“What really attracted me to this position was the opportunity to be part of a school and district that has such a strong reputation of academics, community involvement and really that overall family-feel when you are in the district,” said Franko in a statement. “I feel that the Avon Lake City Schools district is on the forefront of education and I really wanted to be a part of that in the future. I am looking forward to meeting and working with the students, families, staff and community members in leading us through these exciting times. I am confident that together, we will continue to build upon Eastview's prior successes.”

Credit John Michael Photography in Parma