Project Description

Joseph Salley, Fellow

Lucas Oliver Kimberly Elementary School

Atlanta, GA

Joseph Salley is an experienced Turnaround Principal in his 26th year in Education. Under his leadership, Kimberly Elementary, where he has led for the last 10yrs, was recognized for “Beating the Odds” and consequently removed from Georgia’s Failing Schools List. Joseph was nominated and a finalist for Principal of the Year and has received numerous recognitions for his instructional leadership during his time as a principal and assistant principal. He also presented at the 2019 Learning Forward Conference. Joseph is a graduate of the University of Dayton (BS Elementary Education), State University of West Georgia (M.Ed. & Ed.S in Administration and Supervision), and a graduate of “Harvard’s Turnaround Principal Academy”. Joseph is a husband and father of two beautiful daughters who attend school in Cobb County where he resides. He has a passion for children and supporting the adults that work with them. He migrated to Atlanta from Chicago in 1998.

Kristy Reese, Ally

Assistant Principal
Lucas Oliver Kimberly Elementary School

Atlanta, GA

Kristy Reese is in her 22th year in Education. Her educational experiences include 11 years of being a classroom teacher, 4 years as an instructional coach and curriculum support teacher, and 6 years as an assistant principal. Under her shared leadership, Kimberly Elementary School was recognized for "Beating the Odds" and consequently removed from Georgia's Failing Schools list. Kristy is a graduate of Georgia State University (BS & M.Ed Early Childhood Education & Leadership and Administration) and Valdosta State University (Ed.S Teacher Leadership). Kristy is a wife and mother of four children (1 college graduate, 1 college student, and 2 in middle school). She grew up in the Atlanta area and attended Atlanta Public Schools (2nd-12th grade). She believes that the use of rigorous instructional materials, effective teaching strategies, and a positive learning environment are the keys to ensuring that students reach their highest potential.

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