LEAD Public Schools

For the 2025-26 school year, LEAD is welcoming four new principals to its campuses: Taylor Bruner (LEAD Cameron), Stephanie Culliver (LEAD Southeast Elementary), Kathryn Rice McKinzie (LEAD Neely’s Bend), and Meghan Stowe (LEAD Southeast High). These leaders bring with them a wealth of experience, innovative thinking, and a shared passion for student success that will inspire their school communities this school year. 

To help our LEAD community get to know these new school leaders, we asked them a few questions about their motivations and aspirations for the 2025-26 school year. Check out the interview with LEAD’s new principals below!

Taylor Bruner, LEAD Cameron

Q: Why did you want to become a principal?
A: Transformational education, leading adults, and empowering young people all while building powerful relationships along the way that have shaped me, has been my passion for a decade. I live and breathe this work. Leading with an ambitious mission and values while creating a thriving environment for students and teachers alongside this community is what it’s about. I have always wanted to be part of creating a warm, loving culture that also holds unyieldingly high expectations because we believe that all students can achieve their goals. The most fulfilling aspect of leading is working to create the conditions for everyone– all students and all adults– to reach their potential and still continue pushing once they reach that. We aspire to continuous improvement. Ultimately, I want every single person in the building to walk out stronger and more confident each day. We need optimism and confidence as we all navigate this world to be ready to chase our goals that eventually will lead to opportunities. 

Q: What makes your school special?
A: LEAD Cameron stands on an incredible legacy and the staff and students at this school are JUST THE PEOPLE to build on that legacy. Cameron is a beacon and cornerstone within this community and it brings such pride to run into someone who still speaks so highly of their days at Cameron, or I get to hear stories from grandparents about the impact of this school on their lives. I feel incredibly honored to lead as a panther, and instill that pride every single day. LEAD Cameron has committed teachers and leaders who have been here for years and years who have contributed their talents and belief that all students can achieve, contributing to hundreds of students’ lives every year. Their impact and reach is expansive. Our teachers care deeply about every panther that steps into this building and it shows in every interaction, every intentional move in lesson planning, and every extracurricular event. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?
A: I am looking forward to watching our students and staff soar! There is so much brilliance that resounds throughout the building. It is going to be a strong year with a new mission, new goals, and an amazing staff that works relentlessly to ensure students are prepared, confident, and excited to reach these goals. I am looking forward to watching students live out our values, positively impact their teammates in class, and build each other up. Every day, students will take ownership of their learning and growing just like teachers and leaders. I am also most looking forward to building relationships with students and families, and catapulting from the strong ground work that has been set by the great leaders before me!

Stephanie Culliver, LEAD Southeast Elementary

Q: Why did you want to become a principal? 
A: I became a principal because I love setting a bold vision and bringing people together around a common goal. There’s nothing more fulfilling than teaching and developing leaders; both in the classroom and on the team. It’s a privilege to guide a community toward excellence.

Q: What makes your school special? 
A: Our school is special because of our deep commitment to community and our intentional Strong PACK culture, which is thoughtfully backwards-planned from our middle and high school Lobos partners. We know where our students are going, and we’re building the foundation to get them there. With nurture, structure, and joy.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year? 
A: Seeing our students in living color! Watching them walk through the doors, light up with curiosity, and grow into confident learners. I can’t wait to witness the moments that happen when the right people, systems, and culture come together for our kids and community. 

Kathryn Rice McKinzie, LEAD Neely’s Bend

Q: Why did you want to become a principal?
A: I love being a principal because I get to help shape a positive, safe, learning-focused, and fun school environment for every student. It’s a joy every day to support students and staff as they grow and show off their brilliance. 

Q: What makes your school special?
A: At LEAD Neely’s Bend we serve a diverse community that is deeply rooted in Madison and north Nashville. Many of our students have family members who attended the school. We have amazing students, supportive families, and an outstanding team of educators. We are also a smaller community, which means that students feel known, seen, and valued. The connections we make are part of why Neely’s Bend students grow, achieve, and build confidence every year that they are with us.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?
A: This year we are committed to making LEAD Neely’s Bend the place where every individual experiences belief, belonging, and brilliance. We want students to perform at or above grade level and to feel inspired and ready to thrive in their next steps. We have a number of exciting new opportunities coming up in our academic programming and in our student activities. I am most looking forward to seeing our students and team shine – in the classroom and in our community!

Meghan Stowe, LEAD Southeast High

Q: Why did you want to become a principal? 
A: I became a principal to be an agent of meaningful, lasting change in the lives of young people and the communities we serve. As a social studies educator, I’ve long understood the profound impact of those who commit themselves to public service. I see school leadership as both a responsibility and a privilege to create systems that uplift, to lead with integrity, and to ensure every student is equipped to contribute meaningfully to the world. My purpose is simple but enduring: to leave behind a legacy rooted in justice, opportunity, and care for others.

Q: What makes your school special?
A: LEAD Southeast High School is special because we are a community intentionally built on the values of belonging, consistency, and coherence. We bring together students and families from diverse backgrounds and unite them in a shared pursuit of excellence. Our school is a bridge between who our students are and who they aspire to become. Every day, our staff and students show what’s possible when high expectations meet a culture of support. It’s an honor to serve in a school where young people are not only seen, but believed in.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?
A: This year, I’m most excited to walk alongside our students as they step into their purpose. There is something powerful about witnessing young adults begin to believe in their own potential. I’m especially energized to support our senior class as they chart bold paths beyond high school in college, career, or service. Watching them achieve more than they ever thought possible reaffirms why this work matters. We’re not just preparing graduates; we’re cultivating leaders.