Troy High School Principal Jacob Francom was named the principal of the year by the Montana Association of Secondary School Principals for his outstanding leadership and success in providing exceptional learning opportunities for students. 

Francom, who has been the principal of Troy High School and Junior High for five years, also serves as the Troy school superintendent.

His nomination letters from colleagues and students describe Francom as someone appreciated by students who motivates and provides opportunities for them to pursue challenging courses. 

Letters also stated gratitude for Francom’s open invitation for student input. Colleagues described him as someone who “models values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage others to higher levels of performance in their academic and personal lives.”

Francom was also noted for implementing the Running Start program where students can take courses for both high school and college credit and for establishing a student advisory board to discuss school issues and solutions.

Student input is one area that Francom said is important in decision-making and school improvement planning.

“I think the more students involved you have in a school, the better,” Francom said. 

Troy High School and Junior High has an enrollment of more than 200 students in a district with a total enrollment of more than 400.

“I know each student. I know their situation and I try to be as active and out in the school as I can,” Francom said.

Like many administrators, Francom began his career in teaching. He decided to make the transition into administration because he wanted to make an impact in education on a broader level, viewing his role as an adviser and mentor.

“I felt I had a bigger opportunity to help more students,” Francom said. “I felt I had leadership skills and wanted to be able to work in a system and help that system improve and grow.”

Francom’s administrative philosophy is making decisions that are best for students while challenging them to achieve more.

“We need to stretch our students and offer them the best education we can by offering a rigorous and relevant education that prepares them for entering the 21st-century workforce,” Francom said.

Some of his future goals include expanding the Running Start and honor’s programs and making sure all struggling students get assistance needed to be successful.

Francom said the award represents not just his efforts but those of all school staff and the community.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.