May 22, 2026 — With nearly three decades of experience in education and more than 25 years serving students and families in the Cobb County School District, Timber Ridge Elementary’s new principal, Dr. Kristi Lankford, brings a deep passion for student growth, community partnership, and academic excellence to her new role.
From her early years teaching first grade at Dowell Elementary School, then supporting students at Fair Oaks Elementary, to helping open Pearson Middle School, her career has been rooted in creating supportive learning environments where every child feels empowered to succeed. As she joins the Timber Ridge community, she looks forward to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families while continuing the school’s tradition of excellence and helping every student grow with confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.
"Timber Ridge has established a strong foundation for success, and as principal, I will build upon that foundation with a continued focus on literacy and mathematics achievement. Coming from the middle school level, I understand the academic and social expectations students face as they transition into sixth grade. By working together, we will ensure that every student leaves elementary school prepared, confident, and ready for the next stage of their educational journey," shared Dr. Lankford.
Learn more about Dr. Lankford’s journey in education, her commitment to building strong relationships with parents and the community, and her focus on helping every Timber Ridge student achieve success in the Q&A below.
Question: Why are you excited about joining the Timber Ridge community?
Answer: "I am excited about the opportunity to join the Timber Ridge community because it allows me to return to the elementary setting, where the foundation for a child’s future is built each day. Elementary school is such an important time in a student’s life, and I am passionate about helping create an environment where students love learning, feel supported, and are excited to come to school each day. What excites me most is the opportunity to work together with teachers, families, students, and the community to empower every child to believe in themselves and their potential. I want students to leave Timber Ridge knowing they can achieve anything they set their minds to when they grow up. Being part of a school community that encourages curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning is something I truly value, and I would be honored to contribute to that at Timber Ridge."
Question: What does “student success” mean to you?
Answer: "Student success is focusing on the development of the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally, so students are prepared for future learning and life experiences. Student success also looks different for every child. For one student, success may mean mastering grade-level standards; for another, it may mean building confidence to participate in class. Success is creating an environment where every child feels connected, empowered, and prepared for the next level of learning."
Question: What role do you see parents and the community playing in supporting student success?
Answer: "Parents play a critical role in student success because education works best when it is a shared partnership. When families, educators, and the community work together with a common purpose, students are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Students are more confident and motivated when they know the important adults in their lives are working together and believe in their potential. The community also plays an important role by helping schools create opportunities and support systems beyond the classroom. Businesses, mentors, volunteers, and community partners can provide resources, experiences, and encouragement that broaden students’ perspectives and remove barriers to success. Community involvement helps students see that their education is valued not just within the school building, but throughout the entire community."
Question: What do you like most about being an educator?
Answer: "My favorite thing about being an educator is seeing others succeed. Listening to students read a book, seeing them perform in their first chorus concert, or watching them receive an award is an honor for me. As a principal, witnessing the success and growth of both students and staff is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy supporting others as they build confidence, reach goals, and recognize their own potential. Knowing that I can play a small role in helping create opportunities for success and celebrating those accomplishments alongside them is what makes this work so meaningful to me."
Question: Outside of school, where might parents and students find you, or what’s an interesting fact about you that the school community might enjoy learning?
Answer: "When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and our friends, who are like family. Whether it is a trip to the beach or to a baseball game, we are always having a great time together!"
