Remembering Kay Francis

CHS staff continue to lean on each other for support as we mourn the passing of Loving School Transition Coordinator Kay Francis, who passed away on Monday, May 4, at the age of 60. Kay held our mission close to her heart and by reflecting on her life and legacy, we are reminded of what it truly means to be kind, tenacious and better together.

She began her 37-year career at CHS as a fourth-grade teacher and was instrumental in bringing children into our day school program. After 27 years of teaching, she became our Transition Coordinator, where she worked with children in residential care and day school to help them successfully transition back to their home schools. Kay built lasting relationship with all local school districts and was deeply loved by staff and children. Principal Ericka Bohle and Special Education Services Administrator Erin Schons shared that Kay believed that every child deserved a chance.

Chief Operations Officer Allison Sanderson echoed Ericka and Erin’s comment saying, “Kay meant so much to many throughout CHS, and we continue to keep her family, friends and all those impacted by her loss in our thoughts during this difficult time. Kay’s impact on our CHS community will not be forgotten.”

Staff are working together to find meaningful ways to honor Kay and memorialize her legacy. At this time, no formal plans have been made as ideas are still in the early stages, but we will share more information as it becomes available.

Kay was laid to rest following a beautiful service on Saturday, May 9, surrounded by family, friends and colleagues who gathered to honor her life. Click here to read her obituary. We ask that you continue to keep Kay’s family—husband Doug, daughters Lana and Maryn and grandchildren Addie and Jensen—in your thoughts and prayers.