Our Principal
Dr. Finkley
Greetings to my Coldwater Elementary family!! I am honored to serve as the principal of Coldwater Elementary School! My educational journey began as a 2nd grade teacher. Prior to becoming principal, I served as an Assistant Principal for the past five years. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with a minor in International Business from Alabama State University, a Master of Science in Early Childhood / Elementary Education, an Instructional Leadership Certification, an Educational Specialist Degree, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership all from Samford University.
My philosophy of education is that every student can learn and grow. I am very passionate about helping students reach their highest level of potential academically, socially, and emotionally through building positive relationships, having high expectations, providing rigorous instruction, celebrating success, and instilling the importance of developing a growth mindset. I love finding innovative ways to help increase student achievement and I believe that data driven instruction is key to making meaningful academic improvements. We must meet students where they are academically and find ways to help them be successful so that they will be college and career ready.
In Oxford City Schools, our mission is to ensure the academic success of all students through a student-centered system of individualized instruction, highly qualified staff, exemplary facilities, and effective use of all resources. At CES, we teach students to Lead, Excel, Achieve, and Dream. We empower students to embrace challenges, strive for success, and become lifelong learners. My goal as principal is to help all of our students at CES continue to excel academically and become productive citizens. I look forward to great things ahead at Coldwater Elementary School. Go Big O!!