Glass Receives Tennessee Department of Education RISE Award
Celebrating the news of Celby Glass as a statewide recipient of the RISE Award are (left to right) FSD Director of Schools David Snowden, Associate Director of Schools for Teaching and Learning Mary Decker, Elizabeth Brown of the Tennessee Department of Education, Safety and Attendance Supervisor Celby Glass, Micah Fager of the Tennessee Deparetment of Education, and Associate Director of Schools for Finance and Administration David Esslinger
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The Franklin Special District (FSD) proudly announces that Celby Glass, Safety and Attendance Supervisor, has been named one of only two recipients statewide of the Tennessee Department of Education’s RISE (Recognizing Inspirational School Employees) Award. Supervisors from the Department of Education surprised Glass this week in Franklin with the announcement, celebrating her outstanding service and impact on students and schools. The RISE Award honors classified school employees who embody the essential role of school support staff in fostering safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments.
Celby Glass receives the news that she is a statewide recipient of the Tennessee Department of Education’s RISE Award
Glass exemplifies these qualities through her strong commitment to student safety, well-being, and attendance. In her role, she collaborates daily with school administrators, law enforcement, and families to ensure that every student can learn in a secure and supportive environment. She was instrumental in developing FSD’s comprehensive threat assessment protocol, now recognized as a best practice across Tennessee, and continues to lead proactive safety and attendance initiatives that strengthen both school operations and community trust.
Tennessee Department of Education’s Micah Fager, Senior Coordinator of Educator Effectiveness and District Support, and Sarah Brown, Senior Coordinator of Recognition and Communication, surprise Celby Glass with the news that she is a statewide winner of the RISE Award as Director of Schools, Dr. David Snowden looks on
“Celby’s expertise and initiative have directly strengthened how Franklin Special District approaches student safety and attendance,” said Dr. David Snowden, FSD Director of Schools. “Her work developing districtwide protocols, coordinating with law enforcement, and supporting families has made a measurable difference in keeping our schools safe and our students supported.”
Tennessee Department of Education’s Sarah Brown, Senior Coordinator of Recognition, Communication, and TEAM Training and Support, Educator Effectiveness, congratulates Celby Glass on her selection as one of only two statewide winners of the RISE Award. FSD Director of Schools Dr. David Snowden and Associate Director of Schools for Teaching and Learning Dr. Mary Decker look on
In addition to her safety and attendance leadership, Glass has played an integral role in the district’s brand refresh initiative, ensuring that new signage, security film, and visitor messaging reflect FSD’s ongoing commitment to safety and its guiding promise: Students First. Excellence Always. No Exceptions.The Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award, presented by the Tennessee Department of Education, honors outstanding classified school employees who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and dedication to student success and community involvement.
Franklin Special District, established in 1906, is a prekindergarten through eighth-grade public school district serving the families of historic Franklin, Tennessee, in eight schools.
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