Principal's Office

Mr. James Cohee
Hello Ross Families!
It continues to be such an honor to serve as the Principal of Ross Elementary. Ross is truly a great place made up of an outstanding team of educators. The diversity that lies within the four walls of Ross is what makes us so very special. While at Ross, my top priorities are to foster strong relationships with all stakeholders, instill leadership skills within all of our student leaders, ensure that our Core Values are followed, and work hard to ensure our leaders are eager to show what amazing talents they can offer within and outside of their commUNITY.
When I am not at Ross, I am spending time with my wife (Renee) and my two sons, Wesley and Mitchell. Wesley attends Truman State and plays for their baseball program. Mitchell attends Parkway South High. When my wife and I are not attending one of our boys' sporting events, we are likely out exploring the amazing things our city has to offer and immersing ourselves in the various cultures that make up our amazing city.
Here are a few things that will most likely matter to your child(ren): 1) I prefer chicken tenders over pizza. 2) I am afraid of snakes. 3) My favorite sport is Baseball. 4). I love eating at Chick Fil A or Chipotle. Oh... I love homemade ranch dressing.
Please know that my "why" has always been to build strong relationships with all, help students see how they are valuable to their school community, and to offer a safe learning environment. Again, it is a true honor to serve the Ross commUNITY, and if I have not already met you, I cannot wait to do so in the near future.
In Partnership,
Mr. James (Jamie) Cohee

Mrs. Laura Erickson
Hello! My name is Laura Erickson, and I am beyond excited to be part of the Ross Elementary community! I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such amazing students, families, and staff.
I have dedicated my career to education and am passionate about supporting students, building strong relationships, and helping create a positive school environment where everyone feels valued and successful. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, my Master’s in Education from Lindenwood University, and my Education Specialist degree in School Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University. I hold certifications in School Leader K–12, Special Reading K–12, Early Childhood, and Elementary Education.
Outside of school, I am married to my husband, Michael, and we have three wonderful boys, Evan, Andrew, and Nicholas, who range in age from middle school to college. Much of our time is spent at soccer games and practices, where we love cheering from the sidelines. When we have the opportunity, we also enjoy visiting our oldest son, Evan, at Mizzou. In my free time, I enjoy attending shows at the Fox Theatre, spending time at the lake, and making memories with family and friends.
I look forward to getting to know the Ross community and partnering with you to make this an amazing year for our students!
Laura Erickson
Assistant Principal, Ross Elementary
