Newton South High School Dean of Students Caitlin Brown has been named interim principal at that school for the 2026-2027 academic year, with Principal Tamara Stras leaving that role this month.

As dean of students, Brown has supported academic and behavioral needs and growth at Newton South.

“She has developed strong relationships with students and families, implemented fair and transparent disciplinary policies, supervised faculty, and used data-informed strategies to promote student success,” an announcement from NPS reads.

Before she came to Newton South in 2013, she served as principal of Andover High School. Before Andover, she was the athletic director for Foxboro Public Schools.

“As a current member of the Newton South community, Brown will continue to bring a commitment to maintaining Newton South’s high academic standards, a warm and approachable leadership style grounded in relationship-building, and a strong focus on student well-being and belonging,” the NPS announcement continues.

Brown is the second interim high school principal to be announced in the past week. Lisa Gilbert-Smith, director of the city’s Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) program, will serve as Newton North High School’s interim principal for the 2026–2027 school year. 

Brown earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Trinity College and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Bridgewater State University.