Bedford County Schools is proud to announce the appointment of three outstanding educators as principals for the 2026–2027 school year. Brad Brown will serve as principal of Community High, Kelly Kingree will lead Southside Elementary and Malcolm Martin will serve as principal of Cartwright Elementary. Each brings a wealth of experience, a passion for student success and a deep commitment to serving students, families and staff.
Incoming Superintendent Tim Harwell shared his enthusiasm for these leadership appointments. “We are excited to welcome these exceptional leaders into their new roles. Each of these principals has demonstrated a strong commitment to students, a passion for education and the ability to build meaningful relationships within their school communities. I am confident they will continue to move their schools forward and make a positive impact on the lives of our students and families.”
Brad Brown – Principal, Community High School
Q: What are your degrees, and where did you earn them?
A: Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University; Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Austin Peay State University
Q: How many years have you been in education, and what roles have you held?
A: I have 14 years in education, including:
7th & 8th Grade English Teacher, Liberty School (2 years);
9th Grade English Teacher, Community High School (8 years);
12th Grade English Teacher, Graduation Coordinator, Yearbook Advisor (2 years);
Dean of Students, Community High School (1 year);
Assistant Principal, Community Middle School (1 year).
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
A: I am incredibly excited and honored to step into this role and serve the Community High School family. I look forward to building on the great work already happening while collaborating with students, staff and families to improve achievement and prepare every student for success after graduation. I want to help create meaningful, memorable high school experiences and strengthen Viking Pride for years to come.
Q: What changes or focus areas do you see ahead?
A: I want to improve college and career readiness by helping students better understand all post-secondary pathways - not just four-year universities. Investing in our students means investing in the future of our community.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
A: I am a proud Community alumnus (Class of 2007) and spent 13 years as a student here, so this role is especially meaningful to me.
Q: Tell us about your family and interests.
A: My wife, Meghan, is a kindergarten teacher, and we’ve both been in education since we met. We have two children, Amory and Waylon, who keep us busy with sports. Most of our free time is spent at ballparks or cheering on our favorite teams - Go Vols and Go Braves!
Kelly Kingree – Principal, Southside Elementary School
Q: What are your degrees, and where did you earn them?
A: Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama
Q: How many years have you been in education, and what roles have you held?
A: I am finishing my 19th year in education. My experience includes:
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Teacher, Eakin Elementary (5 years);
3rd & 4th Grade Teacher, Liberty School (5 years);
RTI & Testing Coordinator, Shelbyville Central High School (6 years);
Assistant Principal, Southside Elementary (3 years).
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
A: I’m excited to lead the next phase of our school’s growth. We’ve made meaningful strides in building a strong, positive culture, and I look forward to building on that momentum while deepening our impact on student outcomes through strong instruction and teacher support.
Q: What changes or focus areas do you see ahead?
A: Having been part of Southside’s journey, I’m focused on strengthening relationships and working as a team to help students and teachers reach the next level of success.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
A: Southside is a special place with incredible students and a dedicated staff. I’m honored to lead a school community that means so much to me.
Q: Tell us about your family and interests.
A: I live on a farm in Flat Creek with my husband, Tripp, a longtime Shelbyville firefighter. We enjoy traveling - especially to the beach - spending time with our two dogs and visiting our adult children. Our son Grayson lives in Charlotte and will be getting married this fall, and our daughter Macy teaches 2nd grade at Liberty School, which makes this mom incredibly proud!
Malcolm Martin – Principal, Cartwright Elementary School
Q: What are your degrees, and where did you earn them?
A: Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University; Master’s in Education (Curriculum & Instruction) and Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Middle Tennessee State University
Q: How many years have you been in education, and what roles have you held?
A: I have 10 years in education, including:
8th Grade Math/Algebra I Teacher (Rutherford & Bedford Counties) – 7 years;
Instructional Coach, Harris Middle School – 2 years;
Assistant Principal, Cartwright Elementary – 2 years;
United States Army Officer – 10 years.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
A: I’m excited to build something that lasts - strong systems, a clear vision and a culture where students and staff thrive. As a newer school, we have a unique opportunity to be intentional about who we are and how we operate.
Q: What changes or focus areas do you see ahead?
A: My focus is on refining systems - strengthening PLCs, improving consistency across classrooms, enhancing inclusion and ESL co-teaching models and ensuring clear communication so staff feel supported and aligned.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
A: I believe strong schools are built on trust, clarity and consistency. I’m committed to being visible, accessible and focused on student learning while developing leadership capacity among staff.
Q: Tell us about your family and interests.
A: I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughters. Outside of school, I stay active through running and strength training, and I enjoy writing, leadership development and meaningful conversations. I’m driven by growth, discipline and making the most of every opportunity.
Bedford County Schools looks forward to the leadership, vision and dedication these principals will bring to their schools. Families can expect a continued focus on student achievement, strong school culture and meaningful partnerships between schools and the community.
Bedford County Schools is a district of sixteen schools committed to the academic and personal success of each child and serving over 8,600 students.