Tonya Franks, Executive Director of Academics and Accountability, received a B.S. in Elementary Education from University of North Dakota in 2000 and a M.A. in Education from Saint Mary's University - Winona in 2010.  As a life-long learner and a desire to serve in a leadership capacity, Director Franks went on to pursue Administrative Licensure from Saint Mary's University, securing K-12 Administration in 2015.

Director Franks taught second grade and special education at Cleveland Elementary before beginning her career with Albert Lea Area Schools in 2003.  At Albert Lea Area Schools, Franks has served as a special education teacher for K-6 students with emotional behavioral disorders, specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and other health disabilities before moving to an administrative capacity in 2015 as Principal of the Area Learning Center for three years and Halverson Elementary for five years. "For eight years, I had the profound privilege to work alongside caring, compassionate and dedicated educators who were committed to meeting the needs of their students every single day. My time as a principal filled my heart."

"I am elated to serve Albert Lea Area Schools in the capacity of Executive Director of Academics and Accountability.  I am committed to helping our students achieve excellence and supporting our staff in those efforts.  The mission of Albert Lea Area Schools is to to ensure individual academic, social and emotional growth that leads to engaged citizens and lifelong learners.  As an educator, I am wholeheartedly committed to serving students from diverse social, economic and ethnic backgrounds, as well as the development of staff to meet the needs of our students. It is imperative that we provide a safe and supportive environment that is sensitive and responsive to student needs so that students have opportunities to grow and flourish. This work starts with our educators. Teachers are the most important factor affecting student learning; therefore, we must invest in our teachers so that they can impact student learning that results in the desired growth.  In this role, I am excited to put my passions to work to strengthen and empower staff in their personal growth and development. It is the aim of our district to ensure effective teaching in every classroom that, in turn, creates optimal learning opportunities for our students."

Director Franks is a happy wife and mother of two wonderful boys.  Her favorite book to read to her boys when they were little was "I Love You Stinky Face".  She takes pride in supporting her children as they grow into confident, caring, and compassionate young men.  She loves cheering from the sidelines as they compete in football, wrestling and baseball.  During the summer you can find her and her family on the golf course, enjoying the beauty of the surroundings and striving to improve her short game.