Natick's Brown Elementary School Names New Principal

NATICK, MA — Brown Elementary School will have a new principal beginning in July, district officials said.

Johanna Even accepted the district's offer to take over as principal for the 2025-26 school year, effective July 1.

Even is an "experienced school leader" with expertise in the areas of literacy, multilingual learners and leadership development, officials said. She earned a B.A. in History and Literature, with a focus on Latin America, and an EdM and EdD in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

"The district interview committee was impressed that Dr. Even's core values of integrity, compassion, equity, and excellence drive her approach to leadership. We want to highlight that her commitment to strong systems and structures, along with clear and consistent communication are part of what made her such a strong candidate. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Brown Elementary School and Natick Public Schools communities," said Dr. Melissa Spash, Superintendent of Schools.

Even's career has included a range of roles in K-12 education, including elementary educator, literacy coach, principal, district office executive director and leadership coach. In addition to school and district-level leadership, she also brings experience developing literacy curriculum and designing professional development in the areas of the Science of Reading and Sheltered English Instruction.

Even also brings a unique perspective on social-emotional learning and trauma-informed instructional practices, officials said.

As the co-author of the book, Empowering English Learners for Classroom Success, she explored the unique social-emotional needs of English learners. In her current role as the Education Director at Hopewell, she leads a literacy program specifically designed to support youth experiencing foster care--work that is deeply rooted in the intersection of academic learning and social-emotional well-being, officials said.

"I look forward to beginning the work of supporting Brown Elementary students in collaboration with staff and families. I greatly enjoyed my time at the school getting to know more about what makes the school such a special place to so many of you. I plan to work hand-in-hand with the dedicated staff and to engage students and families in our continuous improvement that will be ongoing at Brown," said Even.

Erica Cole Harms has served as interim principal for the 2024-2025 school year, but will move back into her role as Vice Principal of Teaching and Learning at Natick High School.