TAMPA, Fla. — After serving as Hillsborough County Public Schools’ general manager of transportation for seven years, John Franklin resigned, the district announced last week.   

Officials said Franklin "steered the transportation department through an eventful time of change and challenges,” and the district is currently preparing a multifaceted plan to continue to make improvements in the transportation department based on input from a transportation consultant and its employees.

(As SBFpreviously reported, emergency response procedures for special-needs students are improving at Hillsborough County Public Schools following the implementation of new policies and procedures.)  

“We thank John Franklin for his tireless service and wish him well in his new endeavors,” Superintendent MaryEllen Elia said. “I have reiterated to our transportation team that our goal remains unchanged — we work together to safely transport children every day.”

The district will conduct a nationwide search for Franklin’s replacement. In the meantime, officials said Chief Facilities Officer Chris Farkas will directly oversee the transportation department.