Administration

Dr. Westbrook started his career as a High School English teacher starting his administrative career in 2005 at Northern Vance High School.  After serving as an assistant principal and interim principal at Henderson Middle School, he began his career as a principal at Carver Elementary School in Vance County. After serving as Carver’s principal for 8 years, Dr. Westbrook came to Royal in the summer of 2020.  He enjoys sports, music, and reading; but his two daughters, his wife, Susan, and their pets are his greatest joy.

Kim Heller is the Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction for Franklinton High School. Before joining FHS, she has served in a variety of teaching and educational leadership roles over the past 29 years primarily in Franklin County. Some of the roles she has held include classroom teacher, Curriculum Resource Teacher, Middle School Literacy Coach, and Secondary Literacy Specialist. Her academic background includes a Masters of School Administration from NC State University and a Bachelors of Arts in English from Lock Haven University.

Mrs. Heller is a longtime resident of Franklin County, a mother of two amazing boys, and the wife of a 4th grade teacher at Youngsville Elementary School. She is committed to providing the students of Franklinton High School with a rigorous, engaging, and high-quality education. Mrs. Heller is proud to be a member of the Red Ram Family who continues to Focus on Learning, Honor our traditions, and Serve our community.

Mr. Joseph Cobb is from Raleigh, North Carolina, and graduated from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. He was also a member of the AKD Sociology Honors Society. Mr. Cobb later obtained his teaching license in Math from Barton College. He has taught ninth-grade Math 1 for three years in Northampton County and most recently taught Math and Science the past four years at Vine Academy and Franklinton Middle School. While at Vine Academy, he also served as the testing coordinator for two years. "Mr. Cobb has a diverse instructional background. That, combined with his interpersonal skills, will make him a great asset to the Franklinton High School Administrative team and school", says Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Schuhler. Mr. Cobb received his Masters in School Administration from Barton College and recently completed his administrative internship at Franklinton Middle School. Mr. Cobb is married and has one daughter. Mr. Cobb says, "I am excited to serve the Red Ram Family!"

Lavonne Carter grew up in Gastonia, North Carolina, and has dedicated the past 13 years to education. She began her career teaching social studies to middle and high school students in Lee, Wake, and Durham Counties before stepping into school leadership as an assistant principal in Franklin County. As a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, she values Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. As an educator Mrs. Carter wants to inspire students to believe in themselves, and to help create pathways for their success both inside and outside the classroom. Outside of education and community involvement, Mrs. Carter enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, traveling the world and experiencing new cultures. .