COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura, announced the promotion of Laura Sandrell to Principal of Mt. Pleasant Elementary School. Sandrell previously served as the Assistant Principal of Mt. Pleasant Elementary School since 2016. She assumes the role previously filled by Julie Tidwell, who retired earlier this year.

“Laura is a natural fit for this position,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Laura’s experience and familiarity with Mt. Pleasant Elementary School gives me great confidence that she will continue the tradition of excellence we expect.”

Laura began her educational career as a teacher at Randolph Howell Elementary School teaching 1^st grade in 2002. In 2007, she taught 1^st-4^th grades at Mt. Pleasant Elementary. She later stepped into a Title Teacher role, which led to many learning opportunities with intervening and enriching students throughout the school year. In 2014, she served as the Academic Facilitator and Title Facilitator. In 2016, Sandrell was promoted to Assistant Principal of Mt. Pleasant Elementary School, where she provided instructional leadership to staff, assisted in day-to-day building operations, and ensured the safety and welfare of students, staff, volunteers, and activities.

“I am honored to serve as Principal of Mt. Pleasant Elementary School for the 2025-2026 school year, where kids come first every day,” said Sandrell. “One of my favorite quotes I live by comes from John C. Maxwell, who once said, “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”   

Laura earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education grades 1-8 from Middle Tennessee State University. She also earned a master’s degree in administration and Supervision Pre-K-12 from Tennessee State University. She earned 30 additional hours of instruction and curriculum from Cumberland University.

Maury County Public Schools mission is to provide the educational instruction, tools, and environment for every child to succeed in LIFE as Life-long Learners, Independent Thinkers, Fearless Innovators, and Exemplary Citizens.

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