5 Key Facts About Bells Ferry Elementary School's $29.9 Million Transformation And Relocation
As of December 22, 2025, Bells Ferry Elementary School in Marietta, Georgia, is at the center of one of the most significant educational infrastructure projects in the Cobb County School District, with a massive $29.9 million reconstruction underway that will redefine the learning environment for years to come. This comprehensive renovation and expansion project is the most crucial, up-to-date news for parents and students, signaling a major, though temporary, shift in the school's operations. The transformation aims to enhance both the physical structure and the educational capabilities of the campus, ensuring a state-of-the-art facility for future generations of students.
The immediate impact of this exciting upgrade is a temporary student relocation, a critical detail for the community. During the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, the school will undergo a building expansion and necessary upgrades that require moving certain grade levels to a new location. This move, while disruptive, is a necessary step toward the school’s long-term goal of providing a superior educational setting, and the district is working to ensure a smooth transition for all affected families.
Profile of Leadership: Principal Kendra Brooks and the Administration Team
The success and smooth navigation of a massive project like the $29.9 million reconstruction heavily rely on strong, experienced leadership. The current principal, Kendra Brooks, and her dedicated administration team are at the helm, guiding the Bells Ferry Elementary School community through this period of significant change and growth.
- Principal: Kendra Brooks
- Role: Leads the entire school community, overseeing educational programs, staff, and the current transition phase.
- Experience: Principal Brooks has a deep history within Cobb Schools, having served the district for over 23 years in various capacities, including as a teacher and in other administrative roles. Her extensive experience provides a stable foundation for the school's future.
- Assistant Principal (Kindergarten, Grades 1, 4, & 5): Mrs. Leslie Gaines
- Assistant Principal (Grades 2 & 3): Mrs. Paige Guthrie (specifically housed at Chalker Elementary during the relocation)
- Former Principal Noted in Community: Jeff Jones (recognized for his leadership with the 2025 Volunteers of the Year award)
The administration, including Assistant Principals Leslie Gaines and Paige Guthrie, is noted for being enthusiastic, involved, and genuinely caring about the students. This hands-on approach is particularly crucial during the upcoming relocation phase, as it helps maintain a positive and supportive learning environment.
The $29.9 Million Reconstruction Project: What Parents Need to Know
The single most important development concerning Bells Ferry Elementary School is the comprehensive reconstruction and building expansion project approved by the Cobb Board of Education. This large-scale effort, with a final cost nearing $30 million, is not a simple facelift but a complete transformation of the facility.
The Cobb County School District is investing significantly to modernize the campus, ensuring it meets the needs of a growing student population and adheres to the latest standards for educational facilities. Preliminary work alone for the project was approved at nearly $10 million, underscoring the scale of the commitment.
Temporary Student Relocation Details (2025-2027)
To facilitate the extensive construction, a temporary student relocation plan has been finalized. This move is mandatory for the safety and educational continuity of the students during the major building expansion.
- Duration: The relocation will span the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years.
- Affected Grades: Second and third graders will be the primary group moved.
- Relocation Site: These students will attend school at Chalker Elementary, located nearby in Marietta, starting in August 2025.
The district refers to this as a "Construction Transfer," a strategic move to allow for the rapid and safe completion of the new facility. Parents are advised to stay in close communication with the school administration for specific details regarding transportation, logistics, and classroom assignments at the temporary site.
Academic Excellence and Community Support: Bells Ferry's Top Rankings
Despite the current and upcoming logistical challenges of a major construction project, Bells Ferry Elementary School maintains a strong reputation for academic rigor and community engagement. The school is consistently recognized for its quality of education within the state of Georgia.
The school, which serves approximately 762 students from Prekindergarten through 5th grade, is a proud member of the Cobb County School District. The district itself holds a respectable ranking, placing 54th out of 206 districts in the state and earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.
Key Ranking Metrics and Ratings
External educational review platforms have given Bells Ferry high marks, reflecting the quality of its teaching staff and administrative support. The school's overall performance is a point of pride for the Marietta community.
- Overall Grade: Niche gives Bells Ferry an impressive A- overall grade.
- State Ranking: The school is ranked within the top 50% of all public schools in Georgia.
- Parent Reviews: Recent reviews from 2024 and late 2023 from parents highlight positive experiences with teachers and the supportive administration.
- Programs: The Bells Ferry Foundation actively supports the school by funding innovative programs, indicating a strong partnership between the school and the local community.
The consistent positive feedback and high academic ratings demonstrate that the school's commitment to excellence remains unwavering, even as it prepares for the temporary relocation and the massive reconstruction effort. The focus on providing a fantastic educational experience, including strong music programs and dedicated teachers, is a recurring theme in parent testimonials.
Future-Proofing Education: The Long-Term Vision
The nearly $30 million investment is a clear signal of the Cobb County School District's commitment to "future-proofing" the education offered at Bells Ferry Elementary. The new facility will be a modern, expansive campus designed to facilitate 21st-century learning.
This project goes beyond simple repairs; it is a strategic move to create an optimal learning environment that can accommodate evolving teaching methodologies and technological integration. The enhanced building will provide more space, better resources, and a safer, more efficient structure for students and staff.
While the temporary move to Chalker Elementary for some grades presents a short-term challenge, the long-term benefit is a brand-new, state-of-the-art school. For families considering enrolling in the Cobb County School District, the promise of this newly reconstructed campus makes Bells Ferry an increasingly attractive option for elementary education in Marietta, GA. The community is eagerly anticipating the completion of this landmark project and the return to a vastly improved school building in a few short years.
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