With the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year Coggin Elementary School (formerly Coggin Intermediate), will see many new changes. The campus will now house PK-6th grade students, and along with the new grade levels, a new campus Principal and Assistant Principal will be among the leadership there. Brownwood ISD has welcomed Mrs. Kali McLaughlin as the new Principal of the school.
“I’m going into my eleventh year in education, and it’s true, time flies when you’re having fun,” said McLaughlin. “I’ve been in Brownwood ISD for the last two years in service to teachers and students as an ELAR [English Language Arts and Reading] Instructional Coach and as one of Coggin’s Assistant Principals.”
McLaughlin has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from LeTourneau University and a Master of Education degree and Principal Certification from Texas A&M Commerce. “I have two boys, Camden and Callum, who are excited to be a part of the foundation we are building as a PK-6 campus,” said McLaughlin. “As their mom, I am honored and blessed to be a part of creating a safe, positive, and fun learning environment for not only my own children, but for the children of Brownwood ISD.”
Two assistant principals will also be among the leadership at Coggin Elementary. “We have two of the best assistant principals in our district,” said McLaughlin. “Jake Senkirik grew up in Brownwood and has true Lion Pride! He has served as Coggin’s assistant principal for last three years and is thrilled we are adding PK-3rd grade to our campus. This year, Mrs. Carrie McWhorter is joining our leadership team as an assistant principal. She is coming to us from Winters ISD and has over 20 years of experience in education. Our campus admin team leads students and staff to excellence in all areas and our focus is on building and sustaining a positive and supportive school culture.”
The campus will still be divided between the two buildings. The PK-5th grades will be located in the white brick building at 800 Rogan St., while the 6th grade remains in the two-story red brick building on the same block at 1005 Avenue B. “We have big plans for the beginning of our adventure as PK-6 campus,” said McLaughlin. “For starters, our staff has come together, dug deep, and created a campus mission and vision that is truly going to set us apart. Being DEDICATED, DEPENDABLE, and DISCIPLINED in everything we do is the Coggin Way!”
With the added grades, new leadership, and hallways soon to be filled with new students, the school is taking advantage of the opportunity for a fresh start and to build excitement for the coming school year. “Kids come first at Coggin. If it’s best for kids, we’re doing it,” continued McLaughlin. “We are creating an atmosphere of fun here at Coggin where our kids and families are going to experience success. We have a variety of events in the works for our students and parents throughout the year.”
The school is already planning a “Popsicles with the Principals” event in July for families to meet and get to know the Coggin Elementary leadership team.
“We believe that students became learners in the laps of their parents,” added McLaughlin. “We want to continue that tradition of learning by engaging parents in every aspect of their child’s education.”