- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Madison Today
By the People, for the People
Principal Kristin Kolenich prepares for Russell Branch's fall opening
Kolenich is excited to build a new learning community focused on collaboration, innovation and care for students
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Kristin Kolenich, the new principal of Russell Branch Elementary School in Madison, Alabama, is preparing for the school's opening this fall. Kolenich is focused on hiring an exceptional staff, ensuring the building is ready, and establishing a positive school culture. With over 20 years of experience in education, Kolenich previously served as an assistant principal and teacher in the Madison City Schools district.
Why it matters
The opening of Russell Branch Elementary represents an opportunity to build a new learning community from the ground up, with a focus on collaboration, innovation and supporting the whole child. As a growing district, Madison City Schools is expanding to meet the needs of its increasing student population.
The details
Kolenich's current days include meeting with district staff, preparing the building, and working through logistics like schedules, safety procedures and instruction. She is also spending time getting to know the students who will attend Russell Branch. The school is expected to have between 700-800 students and over 30 teachers, plus a full support team of counselors, coaches and special education staff.
- Russell Branch Elementary School is expected to open in the fall of 2026.
- Kolenich was previously the assistant principal at Heritage Elementary School for 4 years.
The players
Kristin Kolenich
The principal of the new Russell Branch Elementary School in Madison, Alabama. Kolenich has over 21 years of experience in education, previously serving as an assistant principal and teacher in the Madison City Schools district.
Russell Branch Elementary School
A new elementary school opening in Madison, Alabama in the fall of 2026. The school is expected to have between 700-800 students and over 30 teachers, plus a full support team.
What they’re saying
“It is not lost on me what an honor it is to open Russell Branch. I was drawn to the opportunity to open a brand new school because it allows us to be very intentional from day one — about culture, relationships and high expectations for students and staff.”
— Kristin Kolenich, Principal, Russell Branch Elementary School (The Madison Record)
“Russell Branch represents a chance to build a learning community grounded in collaboration, innovation and care for the whole child. Being part of something from the very beginning, alongside families and staff, is incredibly meaningful to me.”
— Kristin Kolenich, Principal, Russell Branch Elementary School (The Madison Record)
What’s next
Kolenich's top priorities in the coming months are hiring and supporting an exceptional staff, ensuring the building is completely ready for students, and establishing a positive, welcoming school culture.
The takeaway
The opening of Russell Branch Elementary represents an exciting opportunity for the Madison City Schools district to build a new learning community focused on collaboration, innovation and supporting the whole child. Principal Kristin Kolenich's experience and dedication will be crucial in establishing the school's culture and setting students up for success from day one.
