Franklin County welcomes new high school, elementary principals

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) - Franklin County will have new principals at two of their schools this coming year. 

Nick Messer has been named principal at Franklin County High School. He served as the assistant principal last year and previously led North Decatur for several years. 

“His diverse experiences and educational background have fueled his passion for serving students, supporting staff, and building strong partnerships with families and the community to create positive learning environments where everyone can be successful,” said Superintendent Dustin Gehring. 

Messer replaces Michelle South who stepped down from the principal position to re-enter the classroom as a social studies teacher at the school.

There will also be a new principal at Brookville Elementary for the second consecutive year. 

Matt Piening has been hired to lead the school after spending the past decade teaching in the Cincinnati area. He has taught special education and social studies while also serving in various administrative capacities for 19 years. 

“During his middle school teaching, Matt also served as the Head Football coach at Colerain Middle School for 4 years,” Gehring said. 

Piening, who lives in Guilford, replaces Ashley Tebbe who resigned after one year to accept a new position with Talawanda Schools.