New principal revealed for Manhattan elementary school

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - Education officials say a Manhattan elementary school has a new principal Friday.

The Manhattan-Ogden School District USD 383 announced on Friday, May 17 that Amber Cook will take over as principal of Oliver Brown Elementary School starting in July 2024. She has served as the Early Childhood Center principal for Geary County School District since August 2021 and taught children at Gardner-Edgerton School District from 2016-2021.

“I am honored and excited to join the Oliver Brown Elementary School community,” Cook said.  “I am committed to building upon the school's achievements and fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel supported and valued, alongside their parents and families as our partners in education.”

Michele Jones with USD 383 said Cook has also served as a Title I elementary teacher/intervention coordinator for Lawrence Public Schools from 2015-2016. Her career in education started in Lawrence in 2007.

“We are excited for Mrs. Amber Cook to join our team as the Principal of Oliver Brown Elementary School,” said USD 383 Superintendent Eric Reid. “She possesses the skill set needed to advance Oliver Brown toward its full potential. We are looking forward to supporting her in making the most of this leadership opportunity to benefit students, families, and staff.”

Cook holds a bachelor of arts degree from Kansas State University in elementary education and a masters degree in school leadership from Baker University.

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