FSD Leaders Named Regional Semi-Finalists for Tennessee Excellence in Education Awards
Franklin, TN — Franklin Special District is proud to announce that two FSD leaders have been selected to move forward in the Tennessee Department of Education’s 2026-27 Excellence in Education Awards Program.
Dr. Amanda Muniz, Principal of Moore Elementary School, has been named a Mid-Cumberland regional semi-finalist for Principal of the Year. Mrs. Robbin Cross, Food and Culinary Services Supervisor, has been named a Mid-Cumberland regional semi-finalist for Supervisor of the Year. Both will represent the Franklin Special District and the Mid-Cumberland region as the state recognition process continues.
“Dr. Muniz and Mrs. Cross make a measurable difference in Franklin Special District,” said FSD Director of Schools Dr. David Snowden. “This recognition reflects the impact of their leadership and their commitment to serving the students, employees, and families of our district to ensure the best opportunity for success at every level.”
Amanda Muniz, Ed.D.
In her application for the recognition, Dr. Muniz reflected on her leadership style, noting that she has great respect for the school’s traditions and a focus on continued growth. Established in 1990, Moore has long been known for its strong sense of community, student-centered traditions, and commitment to developing the whole child. Under Dr. Muniz’s leadership, the school has continued to strengthen systems that support academic achievement, belonging, and staff collaboration.
One of Moore’s defining traditions is the Fourth Grade Walk, a two-day, 26-mile hike along the historic Natchez Trace. Dr. Muniz completes the hike alongside students each year, reinforcing the school’s belief that students thrive when they are embraced as valued members of the school community.
Dr. Muniz has also helped drive measurable academic growth through data-informed instruction, targeted interventions, and collaborative planning. Moore has been recognized twice nationally as an i-Ready Super Stretch School for reading growth and has consistently earned Reward School designation from the Tennessee Department of Education. Her leadership has also supported initiatives such as adaptive playground equipment and the addition of Scottie, Moore’s therapy dog.
Robbin Cross
In her responses to the state application, Mrs. Cross noted her role in Food and Culinary Services as an important part of the district’s commitment to serving the whole child. She has helped shape a program where school meals, cafeteria staff, and community partnerships play an important role in supporting students’ physical well-being, emotional security, and readiness to learn.
Under her leadership, FSD has expanded access to meals beyond the traditional school day through partnerships with local after-school programs, the Boys & Girls Club, and the city of Franklin’s housing authority. Each summer, Mrs. Cross also ensures that FSD serves as a USDA-funded site, providing breakfast and lunch at an open site where any child 18 and under may receive a free meal during months when they are out of school.
She has also worked with churches, businesses, assisted living residents, and other community partners to address unpaid meal balances, raising more than $60,000 over the past three years so students can receive meals without adding financial stress for families.
Her extensive work with national organizations and grant partners has advanced the district’s shift toward scratch cooking and reducing ultra-processed foods. Over the past eight years, FSD Food and Culinary Services has received more than $2.5 million in grant funding from national organizations and federal programs, supporting equipment, training, farm-to-school efforts, and healthier meal options for students.
“The district’s success rests on the shoulders of dedicated leaders like Dr. Muniz and Mrs. Cross, who embody the FSD’s continued commitment to excellence, belonging, and whole-child support,” Snowden said.
The Tennessee Department of Education’s Excellence in Education Awards Program recognizes outstanding educators and leaders from across the state. From the regional semi-finalists, a statewide scoring panel will select regional finalists in each recognition division to continue to the interview portion of the process.
Franklin Special District is a high-achieving prekindergarten through eighth-grade public school district serving the families of historic Franklin, Tennessee, in eight schools.
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