Dr. Kelsey Walker named new principal at Liberty Bell Middle School

Johnson City Schools has named Dr. Kelsey Walker as principal at Liberty Bell Middle School. Walker replaces Dr. Holly Flora, who accepted the position of Elementary Chief Academic Officer for Kingsport City Schools.

Walker returns to Liberty Bell after spending last year as an assistant principal at Indian Trail Middle School. Before joining Indian Trail, Walker spent a decade at Liberty Bell as an 8th-grade English Language Arts teacher and also served as a teacher leader.

“It is with great excitement that I return to Liberty Bell Middle School to lead its invaluable educators and continue Liberty Bell’s legacy of excellent teaching and learning,” Walker said. “I am honored to accept the principalship at Liberty Bell Middle School. I am grateful for the preparation and guidance I was given over the last year during my time at Indian Trail Middle School under the direction of Dr. Jacobs and alongside the rest of the administrative team. I look forward to our future collaboration between our two middle schools. I am excited to work alongside the amazing staff, teachers, students and families of Liberty Bell.”

Walker earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from East Tennessee State University in 2012. She followed that with a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from ETSU in 2014. Most recently, Walker received her Doctorate of Education in Administrative Leadership from Carson-Newman University in 2021.

“I am confident that under Kelsey’s leadership, our students and teachers will thrive,” Johnson City Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Barnett said. “Kelsey’s dedication to student success, innovative ideas, and ability to inspire both students and staff made her the ideal candidate for this role. I have no doubt that she will lead Liberty Bell with unwavering passion, integrity and a steadfast focus on preparing our students for a bright future. I am excited to witness the positive impact she will have on the Liberty Bell community."

For more information about Liberty Bell Middle School, please visit LibertyBell.jcschools.org.