In March, the Baldwin County School District announced that Dr. Kristina Brooks was selected to take over upon Superintendent Dr. Noris Price’s retirement this month. With the school year rapidly approaching, Brooks is “excited” about making connections and building upon Price’s legacy.
“I am looking forward to meeting more staff members but more of our students. I had a great opportunity to do some transition days with Dr. Price to meet people, but, for those first few weeks, it will be truly exciting to meet everyone,” said Brooks. “I want to know who our kids are, who their families are, what makes them excited about being a part of Baldwin, and watching them thrive.”
Brooks was the superintendent of Chattahoochee County School District for seven years, but felt it was time to move closer to her family. Baldwin County is under an hour from her family and Brooke said the county “resonated” with her.
“I’ve previously worked on committees with Dr. Price and have been familiar with the wonderful things she has done for this county and what she has established to grow upon. She has laid the blueprint for me to dig deeper upon and help Baldwin grow even further,” said Brooks.
“The Chattahoochee County School District was an amazing experience, and they embraced my family but I’m ready to be closer to home and make an impact doing what I love in another community that will embrace it.
“They allowed me to do the work to move a small rural community forward in making excellent opportunities for children,” added Brooks. “When the opportunity arose in Baldwin, it resonated with me. I knew there was a team of people ready to ensure children have the opportunities for success. I was already familiar with Baldwin County, so it feels like coming back home.”
Brooks has already moved to Milledgeville in preparation for her role. She worked under Price for a short period to transition, which she described as an “impactful” and “endearing” experience.
Rather than rewrite what Price has accomplished, she said she hopes to work alongside it while improving upon weaknesses still present in the district.
“I am confident about the work that needs to be done because it had to be done in my previous role,” said Brooks. “We are going to continue to focus on literacy. Our reading scores have some areas that need to be expanded and improved upon. I am proud of the growth the students have shown but we want them to not only meet but exceed state averages.
“I’ve been fortunate that the work our teachers have been preparing to unpack with English and Language Arts standards is through a curriculum resource I have utilized in Chattahoochee for five years,” added Brooks. “It is on the state-approved list. And we will dig deep not just in the resource but the professional learning that goes along with it. Our teachers will feel their time is spent on becoming the best reading teacher to meet the needs of our students, to help them not only in their vocabulary but their comprehension.”
Brooks said that she will focus on teaching and learning while Deputy Superintendent Dr. Rodney Tyson, Sr. will focus on operations. Both of them aim to connect the community with the schools to enhance learning and continue to erase boundaries that may hinder a student’s education. Brooks also wants to employ partnerships to enhance what the schools are already teaching.
“Milledgeville is special. I have been so amazed by how welcoming this community has been and the excitement and support they have already shown us,” said Brooks. “This elected board (of education) believes in getting the work done for children and they have received exemplary status year after year by the Georgia School Boards Association. They work effectively together. That first board meeting was another great way to see how the community comes together and I am so excited as the year goes on to see the audience grow.”
Brooks has already officially begun her work as the new superintendent and her role will continue to expand when school starts in August.