A familiar face will be walking the halls and leading the way at King Springs Elementary beginning in July. Ashley Mize has been reassigned from her role as principal at Green Acres Elementary to take over at King Springs for the retiring Dr. Cindy Szwec.

“King Springs is my community school, and I am thrilled to join the Springer community and its rich history in Smyrna,” Principal Mize said proudly. “As a former King Springs parent, I know the excellence that occurs daily in the classrooms to prepare the students for middle school, high school, and beyond and I can’t wait to be part of that environment!”

A veteran educator and administrator with 26 years of experience, Principal Mize not only serves Cobb Schools, but she is also a product of the District. She attended Argyle Elementary, Griffin Middle, and Campbell High School. “I can’t imagine leading or serving anywhere else,” Principal Mize said.

In the following Q&A, Principal Mize explains her leadership philosophy and her goals for King Springs.

Question: Why are you excited about joining the King Springs Elementary School community? 

Answer: King Springs has established itself as a school that sets the bar high for students to become successful according to their unique qualities. It is exciting to join a school with phenomenal parent involvement dedicated to making the school the best in Smyrna and Cobb County. Also, my aunt, Linda Kenney, was the principal at King Springs before the current principal, Dr. Szwec.

Q: What impresses you most about the King Springs students, and what can the school community expect to see under your leadership? 

A: The King Springs Community is committed to empowering the students to achieve their full potential. Many of the students I have met are excited to learn and motivated to be good students, which impresses me. The King Springs community will see a leader that always puts students first and engages with parents and the community. It is important to me to be visible and part of as many school activities as possible. Academic achievement and improvement are also very important to me. I like figuring out what we can do better as educators to engage students in successful learning. As a parent, I know that all students learn differently and have unique gifts; it is our job as educators to unlock those gifts.  

Q: What does student success look like to you? 

A: Student success starts with ensuring students believe they can do anything and succeed if they try their best. My goal will be to support every student every day so they can be successful in their own way.  

Q: What do you like most about being a principal, or what is your favorite memory as an educator? 

A: Kids always top my list! I pride myself on knowing the students by name and the students knowing me personally. As an educator, I have always loved connecting with my students and being someone they can trust and have fun with at school. Your principal should not be a mystery or someone you never see. My students will see and hear me every day and know that I love them.  

Q: Outside school, where might students, parents, or staff members run into you?

A: You will see me out and about in the Smyrna area. I spend a lot of time in the downtown area at events and visiting with friends and family in restaurants at the Smyrna Market Village. In addition, I can be seen daily walking my dog Cody near King Springs, as I live less than two miles from the school. Finally, I am a huge Atlanta Braves fan and attend as many games as possible. Go Braves!  

Welcome to King Springs, Principal Mize! We know great things are in store for the staff, students, and families. Thank you for sharing a little bit about yourself and why you’re looking forward to your new role at the Best Place to Teach, Lead, and Learn!