In this episode of Cool Coffee w/ Kansas Principals, featured guest, Mrs. Crystal Carothers, principal of Caldwell Elementary School and KPA president for the 25-26 school year discusses her journey in education, her preparations for the new school year, the importance of networking and mentorship in the educational community. As the 2025-26 KPA president, Crystal shares her vision for her role in the year ahead. The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement and the collaborative spirit within Caldwell's educational environment.
Connect with Principal Carothers: ccarothers@usd360.com
Episode Chapters (timestamp does not account for CC intro)
00:00 Introduction to Caldwell Elementary and KPA Leadership
02:39 Crystal Carothers' Journey in Education
05:21 Preparing for the New School Year
08:14 The Importance of Networking in Education
11:08 Mentorship and Supporting New Administrators
13:33 Crystal's Vision as KPA President
16:22 Community Engagement and Back to School Events
19:06 Celebrating Caldwell's Educational Community
The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE.
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TRANSCRIPT (AI generated)
Rick Sola (00:01.55)
Hello and welcome to another edition of Cool Coffee with Kansas principals. Today, I am here with Mrs. Carruthers from Caldwell Elementary School in Caldwell, Kansas, USD 360 and KPA president for the 25-26 school year, but we'll get into that here in a bit. Crystal, welcome.
Crystal Carothers (00:22.349)
Thanks, glad to be here.
Rick Sola (00:24.69)
It's great having you and we are just talking off the air if you will and Caldwell, for those who aren't familiar, where are you in Kansas?
Crystal Carothers (00:34.825)
So we are pretty much one hour straight south of Wichita. We're on the Oklahoma border. Every year we even have a big tournament, basketball tournament, Border Queen. So yeah, definitely right on Oklahoma border.
Rick Sola (00:49.112)
That's awesome. Is there a lot of crossover with your high schools in the area where you play the Oklahoma schools?
Crystal Carothers (00:55.001)
We used to a long time ago, but we just don't anymore. mean we pretty much stay in our league and that's about it.
Rick Sola (01:02.69)
Yeah. Well, as we get started here, and like I said, new KPA president, but we'll get to that. want to talk a little bit just about your road to the chair, your elementary principal in Caldwell, Kansas. Where did you start in education and what led you to Caldwell?
Crystal Carothers (01:21.219)
So I started as a high school principal at Wichita South High School, which is a pretty intimidating job. Like a 21 year old walking into a high school being their art teacher was a lot. But what made it really amazing is because in a big school like that, you kind of have a whole department of other.
fine arts majors and things like that. And you just latch on to each other and it was just awesome. But the funny thing is, is that Carol Leedy, who is director of KPA, was actually my principal when I was there. So it was, it's just a fun connection. Like you always, that's the best thing about education. You just, never know who you're going to run into 10 years later. So, then go ahead.
Rick Sola (02:11.372)
That is.
I was going to say that is absolutely just so true and what a cool connection going back to your first year in education and then here you are now working side by side with Kara. Yeah, that was a lesson that was kind of impressed upon me early on as an administrator is you just never know the connections that people have. And so, you know, all the more reason to speak positively and favorably. You just never know who you're who you're talking to. You said starting out Wichita South High
school, 21 years old, one of my earliest like, man, like, don't put me in this position, the kind of thing was I remember student teaching around the same age and students were inviting me to parties and I thought this is an awful, awful thing. no, and, you know, please, I'm trying to get my career off the ground. Did you, did you have it? Yeah. Did you have any kind of like, man, I am.
Crystal Carothers (02:56.683)
I'm
Crystal Carothers (03:04.37)
Yeah, stop asking.
Rick Sola (03:10.996)
I am right out of college and these kids are three years younger and it's just challenging just because you're young and new and inexperienced.
Crystal Carothers (03:19.685)
Um, well, I think being in the art field, like most of the students wanted to be there. So it was very, I don't know, it was more fun and like, they just wanted, they wanted to be in your class. Like, so they actually chose to be there. So they just, they did, we did a lot of fun things together and they, I think laughed along with me of the mistakes I made because they were pretty laid back. think most of the time.
Rick Sola (03:43.158)
Yeah. Awesome. So which South High School and then from there, where'd you go?
Crystal Carothers (03:50.649)
I actually went down to elementary and well middle school and I was kind of a assessment prep at Harper and then the fifth Harper Elementary and then the fifth and sixth grade math teacher job opened. So then I became a math teacher. So from an art teacher to a math teacher. But it was a lot of fun. So and then I was at Harper for about 10 years and then I got my admin and
came to Caldwell and this is my sixth year at Caldwell.
Rick Sola (04:22.968)
said math and art, and I'm a social studies guy, and I'm thinking those are two wild worlds apart, because I feel closer to art than I do math. That was not my strength, but do you still feel equally as connected to math and art, or was art more your passion, and then how did that happen?
Crystal Carothers (04:24.621)
you
Crystal Carothers (04:41.077)
No, I actually love them both. was just, I don't know. I think they were so different. It would just, I just saw it as a challenge and I don't know. I just jumped for it.
Rick Sola (04:51.522)
That's awesome. So we're sitting here at the start of the year. So we're recording this. It's actually July 30th. Crystal, when do your teachers report back to you?
Crystal Carothers (05:01.254)
they come back the 11th.
Rick Sola (05:04.128)
Okay, and so we're here where I'm at it's the fifth they actually come back but as you're gearing up for the year what's what's something you're intentional about right now as you prepare for teachers and then eventually students to come back?
Crystal Carothers (05:21.977)
Well, we shuffled teachers around. So first, just making sure they have everything in their room, like all the curriculums coming in, all the, mean, we were literally unloading math boxes and then we got a new CKLA curriculum. So we were putting that all in their rooms. So first, making sure they have everything they need, especially our new teachers. And then honestly, we're really just gonna be intentional about, we sat down in a meeting today and just like that first staff meeting, like,
we're just we're just going to put it all out there and just make sure those routines are solid. I mean, we're an elementary and we just have to do it a million times and that's OK. But just like, are we actually doing the same thing the correct way? And that's really it was actually at USA. I sat in like a session and it was all about teach like a champion. And there's mixed feelings about teach like a champion. But we just I did a book study and pulled out kind of the
routines and the things that I loved about it and then that's just every staff meeting we're just going to go over a new one and hope that we're doing all the things we're supposed to for these kids so they know exactly what they need to do so that the learning part is easy for them. They don't have to worry about all the other things it's just you're in there to learn and you're not getting distracted by all the tiny things that go on in a classroom every day.
Rick Sola (06:47.766)
Well, you mentioned USA Kansas and I was there with my team as well. A lot of great stuff, but I love that you came away with something not just to bring to your building, but also to kind of create an arc for your year as far as bringing something to each staff meeting with that. as we get into the start of the year, you talked about what your intentional about what's got you super excited here in the next few weeks.
Crystal Carothers (07:14.073)
So this kind of goes into my crazy story. did our playground and you think it's silly, but we had turf for a while and it was just falling apart. So we kind of redid the playground and that's what I'm excited for the kids to see it because it's actually been closed all summer and we're such a small community. our playground is huge for our kids. So I'm excited for them to come back and get to see and play on the new equipment or just different things.
Rick Sola (07:43.48)
What's the big new feature that you know they're gonna love?
Crystal Carothers (07:46.617)
the tire swing because our tire swing was falling apart and it just I mean not falling apart it was just it needed to go so they and that's the thing that every recess there's a line for.
Rick Sola (07:59.318)
Yeah, you said you're replacing turf though. So what's in its place now?
Crystal Carothers (08:02.573)
Yes.
So we laid sod down.
Rick Sola (08:07.444)
Okay, very good
Crystal Carothers (08:10.071)
And we really filled a bigger area so they have a bigger grassy area to play. So their football games are going to be a little more intense now.
Rick Sola (08:19.778)
Yeah. What's funny. So I'm not in the elementary school, our the district, I mean, we recently within the last several years, each we have multiple elementary schools, but they replaced pea gravel with
Crystal Carothers (08:32.283)
man.
Rick Sola (08:33.698)
Gosh, like kind of a synthetic type of deal. yeah, just funny things that you don't think about, at least where I'm sitting and the principals there was talking about the pea gravel that would end up in the buildings and all over and they're all over the asphalt that would connect to the playground. And so this big undertaking. it's like every area has got like its thing. Things just wear out. Well, very good. So, you mentioned the KPA president this year.
Crystal Carothers (08:50.359)
Yeah.
Rick Sola (09:03.692)
little bit about what the KPA has kind of been for you and your career and then ultimately it's led to you now this this year being the KPA president.
Crystal Carothers (09:15.501)
I guess just those organizations, KPA, USA, they have just been a lifeline for me. I mean, I feel I'm pretty still new to being an admin. Like, I feel like I'll always learn something every year, like everybody, but this only being my sixth year, like to not have, like those conferences to go to and kind of learn from others and making connections with others and
hearing that I'm not the only one in that situation has really helped. And I just have to give kudos, especially to Carol Lady. She's just been honestly a godsend to me and me like knowing her from the past has definitely helped because we already have that trust built. But it really has been just a lifeline for me, like those organizations.
Rick Sola (10:04.28)
So mentioned CARA, talk about the networking that has been kind of afforded to you through this. You know, some others across the state, like you said, you're in the Oklahoma border near there, not a large district or town, those connections and networking, what does that look like for you?
Crystal Carothers (10:23.521)
Yeah, just, mean, honestly, just going to the conference that opened up networks like sitting in common sessions, you just sit by somebody and you're like, hey, are you elementary or, know, why are you here? And just having those, you know, I call them partner conversations or shoulder, shoulder partner conversations in elementary. But it's just, it's been so great. But then I go.
And I look at even just our board and I mean, you high school, middle school, like all different, all around the state. And I think really like stepping up and being on the board has even been even more so for me, because again, I'm like, I'm a leader in my building, but how else can I help other principals who I know are going through the same thing? So just that giving back piece.
Rick Sola (11:18.882)
So you mentioned sixth year and you feel, you still feel kind of the newness of the job, but I bet you've also been in positions where you have become the mentor to a new administrator somewhere along the way. Have you had many of those opportunities where you find yourself, people asking you questions as the experienced administrator?
Crystal Carothers (11:43.045)
I have like, just again, when you make that connection and they know, like, I'm also the title director. So, I went to like our first of the year title meeting and just sitting next to someone who's just jumping into that role. I'm just like, please call me. Like, I mean, you just give them your number, your email and just like, I've been there. Like it's a lot, like here's two things you need to start off with. So I think that like.
Like as educators, you just want to help everybody who's, especially if they're going through the same thing you just went through.
Rick Sola (12:18.414)
Yeah, you kind of alluded to this by here, you know...
I've been a building principal for 10 years, 15 in administration, and there's still a lot of times where I feel new, even though that's not a new principalship. I don't know that six years would be new, but there's times it feels new. And I think you're kind of touching on like humility, basically, the willingness to acknowledge that there are things that come up that we don't know, or we want to phone a friend or get some input or need to stretch our brains in a different way. And I think that's really
a good thing, but I think that is something unique about our jobs is to be in something for years, but then you get something that's kind of, that's a new one or it's a new wrinkle. And so I love that. love hearing you say that because I think of just the humility to hear you talk about, know, I'm six years in, but I still feel new, which means you're probably asking questions. You're talking to mentors and that sort of thing. So love that.
Crystal Carothers (13:19.021)
Yeah, we opened like last year we opened the day a new daycare like our community was so supportive and they passed a bond and we were able to build this new center with its preschool and daycare and so learning all of the daycare world is just it's a lot. But I mean just I mean we went on three different tours to other schools that are doing it and they were just so gracious and kind.
I will give a shout out to Rachel Darling House at Rose Hill. She was honestly a godsend in any question we had. So, and then at Belle Plain, they were super gracious. And I mean, that's why I'm saying in education, everyone wants to help. Everyone just wants to see you succeed. like, because I knew they just like if you were in the classroom, you want your students to succeed, you want others to succeed because it only makes us all better.
Rick Sola (14:13.614)
And so now you're a year into that. And probably discovering new challenges and things, but that's great. And that's also the team aspect of the jobs that we do. So you are.
Crystal Carothers (14:15.671)
Yeah. Yeah.
Rick Sola (14:26.446)
You're now moving into the role of KPA president. What is that going to look like for you this year or as it relates to KPA? We've got the conference in November, which is fantastic, by the way, highly recommend. But what's it going to look like for you this year with this added role?
Crystal Carothers (14:45.741)
I think it's just, I mean, yeah, I'm going to sit in that president role, but it's so, I mean, it's teamwork. It's going to be everybody hands on deck, like looking over the sessions again, making sure, you know, we have a variety, but I mean, it's everybody. might just help Kara Moore a little bit here and there, but it's like, just cause you're in the president role, it's, it's definitely a teamwork. mean,
being on the board, it's everybody.
Rick Sola (15:17.592)
Right. Okay. So putting you on the spot as, as the KPA president and you have, I'm sure every principal in the state is listening to this podcast. I'm sure. But what, what message would you like to put out to principals who are at the start of a new year and for some who may be in their first, some who may be in their 30th in education, what's a message that you would like to share on behalf of KPA?
Crystal Carothers (15:28.611)
No.
Crystal Carothers (15:46.519)
I mean, definitely go to the conference. It'll be great. But also never get away from the classroom. If there's a day that is so crazy because of meetings or whatever and I haven't been in a classroom hardly, like those are my hardest days. Like I, if I'm not in a classroom, it's heartbreaking because I don't know what my staff are going through if I'm not there.
And then so when they bring it up or if they do have an issue, then I can always go in and help because I've actually seen it firsthand. Like the further you get away from the classroom, the further you get away from education.
Rick Sola (16:30.026)
And of course, the, I don't know if credibility is the right word, but just staff appreciate that, getting into the classroom. You're in there with them, especially if you know of some challenges that may be going on behaviorally or whatever, and you're there to be able to observe and process with them afterwards, and certainly can go a long way. And kids love it.
Crystal Carothers (16:52.129)
And if you can sub in a classroom, even better, because I've learned so much subbing. mean, we all went through some crazy stuff these past years, and sometimes you just don't have enough subs and just being in that classroom as the teacher and really seeing, you know, it's amazing. It's amazing to just step back in there sometimes.
Rick Sola (17:16.162)
Yeah. Well, I shared it, think recently on this podcast by Subdited Elementary School, 45 minutes and my goodness, there's so much work that goes involved to the elementary teachers. Kudos to all of you and it was such a good experience. I love the interaction with the elementary kids. They're so quick to laugh, to fist bump, to want a hug, which I'm not used to. I'm gosh, sure.
Crystal Carothers (17:40.889)
On the side.
Rick Sola (17:43.918)
Yeah, but no, just a lot of great things going on. So kind of totally random, but we're at the start of the year and I'm looking at our calendar and always put the back to school nights on the calendar. I assume you have a back to school night of some sort. When is it? Do you have it on your calendar? OK.
Crystal Carothers (17:59.833)
We do, we do, yeah.
It is August 12th in the evening. So and they just come in they do stations and then there are Pharmacy here in town again is so gracious like our community just gives and gives and they provide Supplies backpacks for every kid so the kid comes in, you know goes through some stations they go through our title station and
just gets to see some of the other resources in our town and the banks come and do different things. We have Canocla here in town, again a big business here. They're also gracious in just giveaways or things like that, but then they go and meet their teacher and put their supplies there. So literally when they come the first day of school, they have to walk in, their desk is ready, and the teacher just gets to greet them and they get to start their day.
Rick Sola (18:56.066)
Yeah, that's awesome. you've got it scheduled even before students and ours is on the 14th, which is, think, the first full day of school. We have that discussion every year. Rick, why on the first day? I get it, but it's Thursday. The next day is a Friday. But there is always that conversation of.
Crystal Carothers (19:04.2)
wow. I'm gonna be exhausted.
Rick Sola (19:18.158)
you know, should we push it back later into August? Give us a couple weeks or not. And I was like, let's just do it. We're already moving. We're on adrenaline anyway. Let's get going. It's going to be great. And let's showcase what we're all about as the school, like right when the school year starts. Anyway, I was just curious on that. And I was looking at ours. And I'm also curious, as a former art teacher, do you bring that into your current role at all?
Crystal Carothers (19:46.273)
I feel like the creativity side definitely. but I mean, I'm not, I'm not teaching any art classes, which is sad, but, we do, we, again, since we're one big building, our, K-5 students actually get art once a week and they get a computer class. And so we're able, those high school teachers will come and then teach our kids at least once a week. So we're pretty, pretty lucky for that.
Rick Sola (20:15.554)
Yeah. Well, that's awesome. it's it's I always try to find ways to bring, you know, I guess like our own passions into the role where where it can fit. But, you know, I'm still thinking about the art and math correlation or the connection there. So before we close off here, we've talked a little bit, heard a little bit about your story and getting to Caldwell. This is a chance for.
Crystal Carothers (20:29.516)
Hahaha
Rick Sola (20:41.514)
Again, every principal was listening to this podcast. I'm certain of it. But brag on your people. Brag on Caldwell Elementary, your district, and all the people that you're with, for those who aren't familiar with Caldwell.
Crystal Carothers (20:55.307)
So I just, mean, coming to a one a district was definitely different from, for me, but, it is just so community family based. it's awesome to be able to walk through the whole building and talk to the high school teachers or the middle school teacher. mean, it's, everyone does their part and pulls their weight. And if someone needs something, everyone tries to step up and help no matter if they're not another high school teacher. Like we have, you know,
counselors that will come down or our librarian is actually also our assistant principal and our librarian and our elementary counselor. So, I mean, you just pick a hat and throw it on and go for it. So our superintendent, Tracy Becker, she's amazing. She came from Stafford a few years ago to us. We had had Allen Jamison for many years and he was great. So I guess I just feel like
I've been so lucky to be in their presence and learning from all of them. So they're just awesome.
Rick Sola (22:02.978)
Yeah, that's awesome. And some really, really great words on the people that you work with, you know, day in and day out. And I hope they hear this because those are, you know, huge compliments. you know, just like we've talked about and like you mentioned, like the community aspect of what we do and all the people we work with and around is vital to a successful school year for our students, which is where we're at right now. so, Crystal, I appreciate your
time because I know this is kind of the, I wouldn't even call it the calm before the storm. This is the storm before the storm. It's fun. Storm has a negative sound to it, but it's fun. There's a lot going on. So taking the time to sit down and do this, I really appreciate that. And I think that's it. We'll sign off. And I want to wish you a great start to the school year.
Crystal Carothers (22:57.729)
You too! It'll be up and running anytime now.
Rick Sola (23:00.782)
And we'll see you for sure in November at the KPA Conference.
Crystal Carothers (23:04.535)
Definitely, we hope we see everyone there.
Rick Sola (23:07.008)
Alright, hey, take care.
Crystal Carothers (23:08.769)
You too. Bye.
