Brown County High School has a new principal for the 2024-25 school year after Trent Austin left the school district and moved to Beech Grove schools.

Superintendent Emily Tracy told the Democrat that both Brown County High School principal and assistant principal left the district to pursue new opportunities.

“When you’re driving an hour to work, it can be difficult,” Tracy said. “They moved closer to their homes and families.”

Steven Sherohman will take on the role as principal of Brown County High School.

Sherohman has a diverse background in education as a music educator. He has also taught band, drama, high school english, middle school social studies and middle school science. In addition to being an educator, Sherohman has a background in community mental health where he served as a high fidelity wraparound facilitator with at-risk kids, according to a letter he sent out to Brown County High School families.

“This is my first year in the principalship,” Sherohman told the Democrat. “I have served as assistant principal for the last four years in Spencer County. I had previously been well aware of the great work that is happening in this district, so when the opportunity became available, I wanted to apply and see how I might fit into the future here. I’m so thankful our partnership was able to come to fruition after a very thoughtful and intentional interview process. As the state works towards redefining the high school experience, I believe Brown County High School can be a shining star for innovation and creativity as we work to let the interests, strengths, and values of our students drive our work here. Our goal is to walk alongside our students as they look towards the day after graduation.”

In April, the Indiana Department of Education presented a proposal to streamline the number of high school diplomas from four to two while maximizing flexibility for students to personalize their pathways. The proposed diplomas would no longer include general, Core 40, Core 40 with academic honors and Core 40 with technical honors but the Indiana GPS (graduate prepared to succeed) diploma and Indiana GPS diploma plus. The diplomas would be aligned to the current graduation pathways as well as the five characteristics of an Indiana Graduate Prepared to Succeed, academic mastery, career and postsecondary readiness, communication and collaboration, work ethics and civic, financial and digital literacy, according to the Indiana Department of Education’s website (www.in.gov/doe/about/news/indiana-becomes-first-state-to-significantly-redesign-diplomas/).

“Undoubtedly, there is some heavy work that needs to be addressed this year with the development of new diploma types and requirements,” Sherohman said. “For some, this may seem nerve wracking and unsettling. For others, you’ll take it in stride. No matter your position, I’ve got your back, and we will do this work together. Please know we will be thoughtful, intentional and collaborative as we look to leverage this opportunity for our kids as they prepare for the day after graduation. I am excited about the opportunities that exist for kids in the new diploma models!”

Sherohman said that he and Assistant Principal Sarah Roberts have prioritized relationship and community building as their top priority this year as they want to get to know the students, families and staff of Brown County High School.