As current assistant principal at Shallowford Falls Elementary School, Lindsey McGovern knows the school, the students, staff, and community well. That's why she was the perfect choice to take over for retiring principal Donna Long.

"I love the atmosphere and community here," Principal McGovern said. "I look forward to jumping in and leading at Shallowford Falls and helping to create an environment that gives our students a love for learning."

Principal McGovern brings 21 years of education experience with her, and 20 of those years were spent here in Cobb. She served for 16 years at Brumby Elementary and has been at Shallowford Falls since 2019.

In the following Q&A, Principal McGovern describes her leadership philosophy and her goals for Shallowford Falls.

Question: Why are you excited about your new role at Shallowford Falls Elementary School community?

Answer: I have been a proud member of Team Fox since joining the school as assistant principal in 2019. We have an incredible school community, and I am thrilled to be able to continue building relationships with students, staff, and families so that we can work together to provide the absolute best elementary school experience for every student. 

Q: What most impresses you about the students at Shallowford Falls and what can the school community expect to see under your leadership?

A: Shallowford Falls students are creative, smart, caring, funny, and thoughtful. I am continually amazed by them. As the school leader, I will focus on creating an environment where staff and students feel safe, valued, and motivated to be the best version of themselves. I want students and staff to feel proud of their school and excited to walk through the doors each day. 

Q: What does student success look like to you?

A: Student success comes in many forms. It may look like academic growth on a test, but it also looks like a student who walks into the school smiling after many anxious mornings. It looks like a group of students who recognized that we had litter around campus and started a campaign to keep the grounds clean. It looks like a student who used a strategy from a counseling lesson to work through a conflict with a friend. Seeing these successes each day is what makes this profession so rewarding.   

Q: What do you like most about being an educator/principal?

A: My favorite part of being a school leader is lifting others up. Students perform better when they feel safe, comfortable and valued, and this is the same for staff. As the school leader, it’s my job to create this environment. For me, that means taking every opportunity to connect with students and staff, eliminating as many obstacles as possible, and making sure we have FUN together!

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

A: Outside of school, I can be found with my husband and two sons, usually racing between sports and other school activities. Other than that, I can be found reading, cooking, or yelling “Go Dawgs” and “Chop On!”

Welcome to your new role, Principal McGovern! We know that the school and the community is in great hands under your leadership. We look forward to what is to come for Shallowford Falls. "Once a Fox, Always a Fox!"