Administration Team

Trish Newsom
Director of Schools

Trish Newsom is a seasoned education professional with over 30 years of experience dedicated to student success and organizational excellence. A cornerstone of Dayton City Schools (DCS) since 2007, she currently serves as the Director of Schools. Her career at DCS is distinguished by her diverse experience as a Principal, Physical Education teacher, and school counselor, providing her with a unique, well-rounded perspective on district leadership.

Under her guidance, DCS has reached new heights of academic distinction, earning the title of an "Exemplary District" and receiving an "A" on the state report card. In recognition of her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, Trish was honored as the 2025 Superintendent of the Year for Southeast Tennessee. Her extensive professional background also includes valuable contributions to educational communities in Texas and Georgia, as well as at an Air Force base in England.

Beyond her professional accolades, Trish is a devoted wife, mother of two grown children, and a proud grandmother. She is also an elite marathoner whose discipline and grit led her to a monumental milestone: completing all seven of the world’s major marathons. Whether navigating the complexities of a school district or the miles of a world-class race, Mrs. Newsom remains a dynamic leader and an inspiring example of what can be achieved through unwavering dedication.

Cameron Burton
Principal of Operations

Cameron Burton has lived in Dayton his entire life and is a graduate of Rhea County High School. He then received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in history and economics from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Mr. Burton began his teaching career with Rhea County Schools as a history teacher and coach at Rhea Middle School. He later went on to receive a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and an educational specialist’s degree in Administrative Leadership, both from  Carson-Newman University. Mr. Burton spent a short time teaching special education in Bradley County before coming home to Dayton as the Principal of Operations and Athletic Director at Dayton City School in 2021. He is very excited to continue serving the students and families of our wonderful community. He is married to his beautiful wife and they have an awesome daughter. Mr. Burton truly believes that Dayton City School has the very best combination of faculty, staff, and students to make our school the very best place to learn and grow.

Brittany Mairena
Principal of Curriculum & Instruction

Brittany Mairena has been in education since 2008. She currently holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Ecology: Child and Family Studies as well as a Master's Degree in School Leadership from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She worked in the classroom for 10 years teaching Kindergarten, Second Grade, and ESOL. She then moved into the role of Instructional Coach in 2018 working side by side with her principal on administrative duties before becoming Principal of Curriculum and Instruction in 2023. She is thrilled to join the DCS Family in Dayton, Tennessee. In her free time, Mrs.Mairena likes to travel and spend time with her family. She has been married to her husband for 10 years and has two handsome sons. Mrs. Mairena's passion is helping teachers use data to connect, understand, and deliver high quality instruction. Her goal is to help Dayton City School become one of the TOP schools in the state! Go Sweatbees!