TBird Check-in

Principals Dustin Razey & Brooke McGown

New Places, Familiar Faces: Check-in with CBE & CGE Principals

This fall, two familiar faces stepped into new leadership roles in our district bringing energy, experience, and a deep love for Circle with them. Circle Benton Elementary Principal Dustin Razey and Circle Greenwich Elementary Principal Brooke McGown are settling into their roles, building relationships, and shaping the cultures of their schools in meaningful ways.

Leading with Heart at Circle Benton Elementary: Principal Dustin Razey

For Principal Dustin Razey, leadership grew naturally out of a desire to make a meaningful impact beyond the walls of his own classroom. About seven 

years into teaching, he found himself increasingly invested in building-wide culture and the success of colleagues and students long after they’d left his room.

“My passion for education started to evolve outside of the instruction and development of one class at a time,” he shared. “Becoming a principal has given me the opportunity to reach every student and every family while supporting teachers in being their very best.”

This year marks a homecoming of sorts for Mr. Razey. After 13 years teaching at Circle Benton Elementary and five years serving as principal at Circle Greenwich, he has returned to CBE to lead the building where his career began.

“Returning to CBE has been an absolute blessing,” Razey said. “I’ve loved seeing how many great things are still happening here and how the community has continued to grow stronger.”

A proud Circle alumnus, Mr. Razey’s Thunderbird roots run deep. After graduating from CHS in 2000, he moved away briefly to complete college, get married, and start a family, returning as soon as a job opened in Benton. “Like it or not, I will never leave,” he joked. “Circle is a family, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Outside of school, Mr. Razey’s world revolves around his wife, Natalie, and their four busy kids. From sports and 4-H to family trips, they keep him grounded and energized. Step into his office and you’ll find evidence of his whole-hearted approach to leadership: student art supplies, photos of loved ones, music gear, and plenty of TBIRD pride.

“I work hard not to be the scary principal,” he said. “I want my office to be a happy place. I lead and live with my heart. This place, and the people inside it, mean the world to me.”

A New Chapter at Circle Greenwich Elementary: Principal Brooke McGown

For Brooke McGown, stepping into the principal role at Circle Greenwich Elementary is both a natural next step and a deep commitment to the district she has called home for 15 years. During her years in the classroom, she felt called to serve the community on a broader scale. Supporting teachers, strengthening school-wide systems, and building a culture where every student can thrive.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to give back to a district that has shaped me as an educator,” she shared. “I’m inspired by the chance to mentor, coach, and empower teachers—knowing their success multiplies student success.”

Almost halfway into the year, Mrs. McGown says the most rewarding part has been getting to know CGE’s students, staff, and families. Transitioning from the classroom to a building-wide leadership role has brought surprises of its own, mainly in how meaningful it feels to support growth across an entire school.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how powerful it is to help shape the broader structures that support learning for the whole community,” she said.

Growing up in Frontenac and earning degrees from Pittsburg State and Emporia State, Mrs. McGown has built a joyful career in education, one her family shares with her. Circle has been their home for 15 years, and she describes it as the perfect environment both to raise kids and to grow as a professional.

Outside of school, she stays grounded through family time, early-morning workouts, coaching her kids in athletics, and her favorite reset—camping.

Step inside her office and the first thing you’ll notice is its warmth. Filled with reminders of her life as a mom, wife, and educator, the space reflects her approach to leadership: approachable, student-centered, and rooted in relationships.

“My office is a place where every visitor feels seen, heard, and supported,” she said. “Every interaction reinforces trust, belonging, and a positive culture focused on student success.”

 

A Shared Commitment to Circle Public Schools

While their paths to the principal’s office are unique, both Mrs. McGown and Mr. Razey share something unmistakable: a deep belief in relationships, a passion for building strong school cultures, and a love for Circle that goes far beyond a role or responsibility.

Welcome home, Principal Razey.
Congratulations, Principal McGown.
We’re glad you’re here and we can’t wait to see YOU Thrive in 375.