We Congratulate The Former Kelli Stice, Now Kelli Brooks, On Becoming Principal At W. R. Mcneill Elementary School. A Great Choice.

Brooks named principal at McNeill Elementary

Six years ago, Kelli Brooks, a first-grade teacher at McNeill Elementary School, set a goal to become principal someday.
"I had stellar examples of leadership all around me," she said. "In the classroom with students, sitting back watching them, I wanted to be able to reach out even more."

Brooks achieved her goal today when she was named principal of McNeill. She will begin her responsibilities July 1, replacing current principal Marsha Ingram, who is retiring.

"I appreciate the confidence you've put in me," Brooks told the school's principal selection committee. "For 16 years, I've worked in the best school. I truly believe that. We're a great school, but we're going to be amazing. But I need help from all of you."

She said she's thrilled to be named principal at McNeill, where she did her student teaching 18 years ago and has been a faculty member for 16 years. "I've never wanted to be anywhere else," she said.

Brooks said she loves the sense of school pride, community involvement and the commitment to excellence at McNeill.

"I just want us to build on that excellence and get parents more involved," she said.

She has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, a master's degree and a Rank 1 in educational administration, all from Western Kentucky University. She was named the 2006 Kentucky elementary school teacher of the year.

Ingram said there's no doubt in her mind that Brooks will do an outstanding job as principal.

"I could not be any more happy than I am today," Ingram said. "She already knows the students. She's an outstanding teacher. She was elementary school teacher of the year. She gets along with everyone. I can retire happy now, knowing that my babies are in good hands."

Rebecca Simpson, a parent representative on the principal selection committee, said Brooks met or exceeded all of the criteria the committee had for the position. Simpson was excited to offer Brooks the opportunity because she has enthusiasm and achieves excellence in everything she does.

"She's been an exceptional teacher in this school," Simpson said. "She's demonstrated the ability to be a communicator."

Bowling Green Independent Schools Superintendent Joe Tinius said Brooks is a great fit as principal because she's visible in the school, has a strong knowledge of elementary curriculum, is a good communicator and has demonstrated a strong commitment to McNeill for 16 years.

"I think Mrs. Brooks has all the qualities of an outstanding principal. ... I believe she will look after the children of McNeill as she does her own child," Tinius said.

He introduced Brooks to the students during a morning assembly at the school.

"I know I've got very big shoes to fill because hasn't Miss Ingram been a wonderful principal?" Brooks told students. "I need your help to make McNeill the best school in the world."