October 31, 2025 — The morning light spills gently across the cheerful halls of Maize Elementary School, bouncing off brightly colored artwork and the sound of laughter that fills every corner. Near the main office, Principal Tiffany Genton greets students by name, a familiar sparkle in her eyes and a smile that never seems to fade. Children rush up for quick hugs or to share a story from the night before, and Genton listens intently, the kind of listening that makes each child feel like the most important person in the room.
At Maize Elementary, warmth doesn’t just come from the sunlight streaming through the windows. It radiates from the people inside, and at the center of it all is a principal whose kindness and heart have touched an entire community.
This is year 23 working at Columbus City Schools (CCS) for Principal Genton, and she has been the principal at Maize Elementary since 2018. To her students and staff, her love for the community is evident. It is stitched into the fabric of the school’s culture, and it is visible in the laughter that floats through the hallways, in the comforting routines, and in the sense of belonging that defines Maize Elementary.
“Honestly, my outlook on my job is to do here what I would want someone to do for my kids,” Genton said. “We may not always get it right at Maize, but we act in ways that put students first. I want Maize parents to go to bed at night knowing that I will take care of their children.”
For Genton, that philosophy has become her compass, leading with compassion, humor, and a deep belief in others. Her leadership is rooted in heart, guiding others through empathy, connection, and genuine care.
“I love them; these are my people,” Genton said. “I have the most adorable, empathetic, curious learners. I may not be able to impact all 342 students each day, but I can try to lift up my staff. If I take care of the staff, they’ll take care of the kids.”
Ask anyone in the building, and they’ll tell you Genton does exactly that – takes care of her staff. Intervention Specialist Rachel Hunter had this message to share with Principal Genton.
“Ms. Genton is amazing. We are so lucky to have her as our principal at Maize for all that she does,” Hunter said. “She constantly has our backs, constantly cares about the kids, and is hilarious as all get out. I mean, what more could we ever ask for? She is just the best. The best, the best, the best, the best, the best!”
The affection is mutual. Genton is a principal who dances at assemblies, cheers at student performances, and somehow manages to make every person in the building feel special. Her staff calls her dedicated, and students call her “the best principal ever.”
“I’m so thankful for Ms. Genton,” said fourth grader Ibrah Mugisha. “She is the best principal ever, and I just want to say thank you. You have the best smile, and you have warm hugs!”
Some students enjoy going to Maize so much that they don’t want to leave.
“I don’t really want to go to sixth grade because I’m going to miss this school so much,” fifth grader Fanehila Paul shared. “Thank you for being the best principal ever. I love you so much, and I know everyone loves you too.”
Even the youngest voices at Maize recognize what makes her so special.
“I love Ms. Genton,” said kindergarten student Leroi Ocloo-Afeke. “Sometimes she helps me a lot!”
Everyday moments are what make Genton’s work meaningful: small gestures of kindness that, over time, blossom into something beautiful.
“The most exciting thing as a building leader is to see one of your seeds grow,” Genton said. “When you walk down the hall and hear a teacher using a strategy you suggested, or you see a child who used to cry every day taking a deep breath and walking into class calmly, your little principal heart bursts into a million CCS apples.”
Genton’s heart for others extends beyond her own school’s walls. She loves collaborating with other principals across the District, a network she describes as educators and leaders who always show up for one another.
“The greatest, most brilliant humans alive are CCS principals,” Genton said. “Any one of us could call any one of us, and we would all stop what we are doing to help each other. We all just know how hard, but rewarding, this job is and we want each other to succeed.”
That spirit of togetherness is reflected in the District’s motto, “Leaders Grown Here,” a phrase Genton takes to heart.
“‘Leaders Grown Here’ encompasses all staff and students,” Genton said. “We are all able to explore who we are and build upon our strengths. Being a part of the largest school district in Ohio means there are opportunities for everyone. We do grow our own, and feeling a part of that is energizing.”
In every sense, Genton’s love for her school fills every corner of Maize Elementary.
“CCS is the best District,” Genton said. “These teachers care. They are talented and will find a way to meet the needs of children. My team is incredible, and my students are incredible.”
As another day begins at Maize, students hurry through the doors with backpacks bouncing and smiles wide, ready for another morning greeting from their principal. Genton will be there, as always, with open arms and an open heart, leading with love, growing leaders, and reminding everyone around her that school is both a place to learn and a place to belong.
Thank you for all you do, Principal Genton! National Principals Month ends today, October 31, 2025.
