Jason Golden meets Johnson Elementary School Principal Tosha Robinson Baugh and Nurse Heidi Garzini during a tour of the school
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Jason A. Golden has joined Franklin Special District (FSD) as Associate Director of Schools for Finance, Administration, and Legal Services, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience in public school leadership and law, including two decades in senior school district administration.
Golden has spent the past several weeks working alongside retiring Associate Director Dr. David Esslinger to ensure a seamless transition of leadership.
Over his career, he has held a progression of senior district leadership roles spanning finance, operations, and school law. Most recently, he served as the Superintendent of Williamson County Schools from 2019 to 2026. During that time, he was named the 2024 Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) Mid-Cumberland Superintendent of the Year, and in 2025, he received the TSSAA A.F. Bridges Sportsmanship Award as Region School System Administrator of the Year. Prior to his service as superintendent, he most recently served as WCS Deputy Director of Schools and General Counsel.
Jason Golden meets cafeteria staff member Linda Bruce at Freedom Intermediate School during a tour of the school with Food and Culinary Supervisor Robbin Cross
His work has touched nearly every area on which a district relies to ensure operational excellence: budgeting, land acquisition and construction, transportation, school nutrition, school safety, staff development, and legal compliance. Golden holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and History from Vanderbilt University, and has been an active member of the Tennessee Bar since 1994.
“I am excited to join the Franklin Special District, a district I have long admired for its commitment to building community, meeting student needs and reaching for the highest levels of academic success,” Golden said. “I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundation Dr. Esslinger established.”
Jason Golden tours the FSD kitchens and cafeteria spaces with Food and Culinary Supervisor Robbin Cross
Dr. David Snowden, Director of Schools for Franklin Special District, said Golden’s background and approach make him a strong fit for the role. “Jason’s experience in finance, operations, and school law, combined with the transition time he’s already spent with Dr. Esslinger, positions our district well for continued strong stewardship of our personnel, resources, and services to students and families.”
FSD also extends its gratitude to Dr. David Esslinger for his 29 years of dedicated service to the district and wishes him well in retirement.
Franklin Special District is a prekindergarten through eighth-grade public school district serving the families of historic Franklin, Tennessee, in eight schools.
