Administration
Mrs. Anna Austin
I am so grateful and excited to serve as your new principal! As someone who has deep roots in this area, becoming part of the Cox Mill family feels like coming full circle. I am proud to call Cabarrus County home—I’m homegrown right here in this wonderful county. I attended Winecoff Elementary, Northwest Cabarrus Middle, and Northwest Cabarrus High School.
I attended Meredith College for my bachelors in psychology with a K-6 licensure and UNCC for my masters on the Principal Fellows grant. This is my 17th year in education and I have had the privilege of serving different capacities in elementary schools in Kannapolis City Schools (2009 - 2014) and Cabarrus County Schools (2014 - 2024). Most recently being an assistant principal for the last three years at Odell and Huntersville Elementary. It is a true honor to begin this school year as the principal at Cox Mill Elementary.
On a personal note, I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and together we have two wonderful boys—Everett and Callen—and our sweet pup, Hali. As a family, we love spending time with friends and loved ones, cheering on NC State (Go Pack!), traveling, and making lasting memories together.
I am incredibly proud to be a Cox Mill Comet, and I look forward to partnering with you to make this school year a great success. Together, we will support our students and community in meaningful and impactful ways.
Mrs. DaLea Beane
Greetings Cox Mill Comets! My name is DaLea Beane and I am excited to start my 5th year as a Comet! As I start my 30th year as an educator in NC, I continue to learn and grow both personally and professionally. My goal is to continue the high standards that are already a part of the culture of learning at CMES. As we strive for excellence, I believe that we must also provide a nurturing environment in which children grow into healthy adults. I have 2 amazing sons who both attend Appalachian State University. Carson is senior and Caleb is a sophomore. Both of my boys were fortunate to have amazing teachers who have invested in their cognitive and emotional growth by making relationships with their students a priority. This is something that I strive to emulate in working with teachers, parents, and students...positive and nurturing relationships. I look am honored to be a member of the Cox Mill Family! Go Comets!
Mrs. Taylor Beard
Welcome to Cox Mill Elementary! Originally, I am from Florida where my education career began as a 2nd grade teacher in Tampa, FL and has continued to serve students in Kindergarten through 5th grade in many different roles. Additionally, I have supported teachers over the course my career as a Mentor, Administrator, and as a Research Coordinator and State Trainer for the Florida Center for Reading Research. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and my Master’s degree from the University of South Florida.
Personally, my husband, Brad, and I have 2 wonderful daughters, Cassidy and Sadie, both Comets. We spend many hours cheering on the girls at the soccer fields, basketball courts, swimming pools, and any other activity they have decided to try! We love to spend time outdoors hiking, skiing, relaxing at the beach and pool, or cruising on a lake.
I look forward to a wonderful school year ahead with the amazing students and families that make Cox Mill Elementary so special!