TSC appoints Chris Bearden as new transportation director
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Former McCutcheon High School Principal Chris Bearden has been named the district's director of transportation by the Tippecanoe School Corporation School Board.
Bearden previously served as the assistant principal of McCutcheon High School for six years and has worked as a teacher, coach, and in sales.
He will be replacing Kirk Brooks as director of transportation. Brooks accepted a new position outside the school corporation.
Bearden, whose appointment was approved at June's board meeting, will be tasked with overseeing the district's school bus routes, supervising drivers, and supervising mechanical repair and maintenance of the corporation’s 180-vehicle fleet.
“Chris was selected for this position because of his leadership skills and ability to connect with others,” Amanda Brackett, the Tippecanoe School Corporation’s CFO, said.
“His familiarity with the district and background in management and education will serve the department well.”
Bearden earned a master’s degree from Ball State University and a bachelor’s degree from IUPUI, Indianapolis.
“Transitioning to this new role will allow me to continue building on the leadership skills that I have developed while being an assistant principal at McCutcheon, as well as collaborate with members of the school community in meeting the challenges of a growing school corporation,” Bearden said.
“My goal is to continue to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of our services, as well as foster a welcoming environment that allows students to start and end their day with a smile.”
The TSC is the second largest geographical school district in Indiana, covering 437 square miles and serving nearly 14,000 students.
As transportation director, Bearden will be responsible for creating bus routes and schedules, supervising personnel, ensuring all state, federal, and insurance regulations are followed, and administering maintenance on all district-owned vehicles.
Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: TSC appoints Chris Bearden as new transportation director
