Over the past 23 years in Cobb Schools, Principal Kendra Brooks has served as a teacher, mentor, coach, SLA, assistant principal, and principal. She started her career in Cobb Schools as a second-grade teacher at Brumby Elementary School, and supporting Cobb students has been her mission ever since. 

Starting this year, Principal Brooks is excited to bring her wealth of education experience to support Bells Ferry Elementary School students as their new principal.

“I have heard that Bells Ferry Elementary is one of the greatest places to experience the joy of learning, and that excites me. I am thrilled to join this established school community and eager to develop new relationships while witnessing the growth of students, teachers, and staff. Bells Ferry Elementary has a reputation for excellence in teaching and strong community relations. These pillars uphold great schools, and I am honored to continue this legacy,” Principal Brooks said.

In this new principal profile, discover what motivates Principal Brooks to remain dedicated to education, her vision of student success, what the community can expect from her, and her favorite activities and places to go with her family.

Question: What most impresses you about the students at Bells Ferry Elementary School, and what can the school community expect to see under your leadership? 

Answer: “The Bells Ferry community is committed to high levels of learning and student achievement. I am honored to join a community where students, teachers, and families embody the Cobb County mission of One Team with One Goal – Student Success. The Bells Ferry community can expect to see a continued focus on student success through strong collaborative teams that build on our collective strengths.” 

Question: What does student success look like to you?

Answer: “Students are successful when they are prepared for the future that awaits them. Naturally, this preparation encompasses academic success as a top priority. However, I believe that student success can also be measured through characteristics like integrity, resilience, compassion, and bravery. Bells Ferry Elementary’s mission to ‘Learn, Lead and Leave a Legacy’ captures this perfectly. I want students to develop the skills required to be kind and respectful leaders of the future.” 

Question: What is your favorite memory as an educator?

Answer: “My first year serving as a reading specialist was a truly rewarding experience. At the end of a year of hard work, a dear student who had grown to love reading presented me with a framed letter that read, ‘Thank you for teaching me how to read.’ I vividly remember the tears in his eyes and the smile on his face as he shared this letter with me. We were both filled with pride and immense joy over his success. I keep this letter in my office as a reminder of the positive impact I can make every day.”

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

Answer: “Recently, I have developed a love for pickleball. My husband and I play often. We enjoy the excitement and challenge. My family also enjoys hiking. It has been wonderful to explore the trails around Georgia, and I am always amazed by the beauty of nature. Red Top Mountain and Pickett’s Mill have become two of our favorite places to hike. We also LOVE art. It’s not uncommon to find us at Michaels stocking up on supplies for our next project.”