Aiken Times

With nearly a decade of leadership experience as an Assistant Principal, Kristie Brooks is looking forward to a new assignment at a new level as interim Principal of Aiken Elementary School.

Since July 2013, Brooks has served students and families in the Graniteville area as an Assistant Principal at Midland Valley High School. While a resident of Aiken, “The Valley” was where Brooks’ career in school administration began and where she developed a collaborative leadership style that’s built upon a foundation of trust, commitment and care. 

While Brooks says she’s going to miss the fantastic faculty, students and families at the high school, her own journey into motherhood sparked an interest in early learning that she’s grateful this interim opportunity will allow her to explore. 

Aiken’s Superintendent King Laurence notified the school board of the interim move at their regularly scheduled meeting January 10, 2023, and Brooks was on Aiken Elementary’s campus early the following morning working alongside the school’s retiring Principal Cindy Hewitt.

“Cindy retires Friday,” Brooks’ shared, “so I jumped right in to assist with carline, unit planning, and data meetings to learn all I can from her this week.”

Brooks made her debut appearance on the school’s news show Wednesday morning and is enjoying meeting and spending time with Aiken Elementary’s students, as well as the teachers and staff she’ll support and serve. 

“I 100 percent believe admin in the building are servant leaders,” she commented. “We are all here to serve our students. Since teachers serve students directly, I serve students best by supporting teachers and staff, sharing responsibilities and engaging them in my own learning and decision-making.” 

Brooks graduated in 2008 from Southern Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education, and attained a Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision from Anderson University in 2012. 

To read the full press release, please visit the district website at www.acpsd.net and scroll down to "District Headlines."

Original source can be found here.