Terrel H. Bell Award
JKE Principal Brandriet Awarded Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership
Over the past seven years, Principal Brandriet’s leadership has transformed rural, Title I James Knoll Elementary School. Her visionary approach has led to significant improvements in school programs, structures, culture, and the overall achievements of students. When she assumed the role of principal in 2017, Principal Brandriet immediately identified key areas for development and delineated a strategic plan that emphasized academic excellence, student-centered decision making, and community engagement.
Principal Brandriet’s vision for James Knoll School is clear and powerful: it is the collective responsibility as a school team to ensure that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. In addition, Principal Brandriet promotes a school culture that values respect, inclusivity, and support.
Principal Brandriet, along with her staff, created an environment where she supports and empowers teachers and students to excel. She led the implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), significantly reducing disciplinary incidents, and creating a more positive and nurturing environment for both students and staff.
After identifying essential learning outcomes at every grade level, Principal Brandriet implemented intentional planning and programming. Through curriculum alignment and pacing standards, teachers were empowered to make student-centered decisions for academic growth and personalized interventions for each student in need. She strengthened collaborative programming with special education, English language learners, and focused tiered interventions. School staff increased their interventions, adding WIN math interventions as well as reading interventions, and offered an afterschool targeted services program.
Under Principal Brandriet’s leadership, the school has implemented several innovative programs that have had a profound impact on student learning and engagement. For instance, she enhanced opportunities for the youngest learners with a school-run preschool program and childcare.
Recognizing the diverse socioeconomic backgrounds of her students, Principal Brandriet also established a support system that includes access to free weekend meals, school supplies, and mental health resources. She worked tirelessly to secure funding and partnerships with local organizations, ensuring that no student was left behind due to financial constraints.
Due to Principal Brandriet’s efforts, James Knoll partnered with the local healthcare system by opening a school-based Trojan Clinic which provides mental and physical health resources directly to students and parents. This is one of a few rural school-based clinics in Minnesota. Principal Brandriet secured a space in the building, wrote grants, and petitioned the school board for their support in improving healthcare access for students. This clinic improves healthcare access, reduces absenteeism, and supports the well-being of students from diverse backgrounds.
In the broader community, Principal Brandriet is a champion for the school. She established partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations, creating opportunities for students to engage in community service and real-world learning experiences. Her efforts have not only enriched the educational experience, but have also positioned the school as a pillar of the Ortonville community.
Principal Brandriet has created a nurturing and inclusive school environment where students and staff thrive. She has designed education to support students and address their needs, which has helped students increase academics, close achievement gaps, and achieve at high levels. Her impact extends beyond the school to the entire community.