Brown replaces Shavers as assistant principal

Mrs. Paula Brown became Bearden’s newest administrator when she replaced Ms. Sherone Shavers as the sophomore class assistant principal. After two years on the Bearden staff, Ms. Shavers retired at the end of last year. This year, Mrs. Brown transferred from Austin East where she spent her past three years. Though she has not yet adjusted to how large Bearden is, she is so far pleased with the school. “Bearden is everything I expected and probably more,” Mrs. Brown said. “I have met some great staff members, wonderful students, and very supportive parents.” Aside from her regular disciplinary duties, Mrs. Brown is looking forward to working with teachers in implementing the new evaluation process, endorsed by the state for this school year. In addition, she recently learned that she will be in charge of a new project this year. “Dr. Bartlett just asked me to head up a dropout prevention team, so that will be one of the things I will be working on to help improve our school,” Mrs. Brown said. Like Ms. Shavers, Mrs. Brown spent previous years in administration at Austin East. She also attended the Leadership Academy at Carter Middle during fall semester of last year. She has been with Knox County Schools for a total of 17 years. A few weeks prior to the start of the school year, Mrs. Brown was given the opportunity to visit Bearden. Even before, she had learned about the school through a fellow church member who teaches here. “I’ve always heard great things about Bearden, and I’m proud to be a Bulldog now,” she said.