The Delavan-Darien School District is proud to announce the hiring of Candice Franks as the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator for the 2025-2026 school year. Franks brings nearly two decades of experience in CTE education and leadership and is recognized for her work in expanding work-based learning, technical college partnerships, and program development aligned to workforce needs.
Franks holds a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. She is currently pursuing her CTE Coordinator License through the University of Wisconsin–Stout, with six courses remaining toward completion.
Over the past 19 years, Franks has served as an Agriscience Instructor and Department Chair at both Waterford Union High School (2006–2008) and Badger High School in the Lake Geneva-Genoa City UHS School District (2008–2025). In addition, she brings industry experience as the Assistant Director of Science and Math for NASCO International.
Her work in education includes extensive collaboration with technical colleges and business partners. Franks has supported Start College Now participants and youth apprenticeship programs, served as an adjunct instructor since 2006, and developed transcripted credit agreements with Gateway Technical College (12 credits), Madison College (2 credits), and Blackhawk Technical College (3 credits). She has also team-taught alongside special education staff, further expanding inclusive access to CTE opportunities.
“I am particularly excited about Delavan-Darien’s commitment to Academic and Career Planning (ACP), school-to-work programs, and CTSO involvement, areas in which I have led professional development to help educators’ close readiness gaps and promote lifelong success for all students,” said Franks. “My approach is rooted in data-driven decision-making and meaningful community engagement. I’ve built strong partnerships with local industry leaders and workforce development boards to ensure our programming aligns with real-world labor market needs.”
Franks is well-versed in managing Carl Perkins funding, ACT 59 Incentive Grants, and grant budgets that balance compliance with innovation. Her leadership has directly contributed to expanding access to high-quality work-based learning experiences and preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
DDSD Superintendent Drew Halbesma shared his excitement about the district’s newest hire, “Candice brings an incredible blend of classroom experience, program development, and industry partnership expertise. Her leadership will be key in continuing to strengthen our CTE offerings and ensuring all students have access to career-connected learning. We are thrilled to welcome her to Comet Nation.”
The Delavan-Darien School District looks forward to the future of CTE under Franks' direction and the expanded opportunities she will help bring to students across the district.