On Friday, May 1, the Knox County Public Schools officially announced Bryan Berta as the Director of Pupil Personnel (DPP). He comes to KCPS following the retirement of Gina Sears on April 30.
Already planning his first steps in the District, Berta shared that bringing a student first focus and a clear message about the role of attendance in success. Those will be the focuses throughout his career with KCPS.
Berta looks back to his own time as a student to see how his career path would capture his interest and future.
As a third grader, he had a hard year until a teacher and principal stepped in to help. That moment stayed with him. “That experience shaped me,” Berta said. “It showed me how much one school team can change a student’s life.”
Now in the DPP role, Berta said he is focused on working with schools, families, and the community to remove barriers for students. He said the goal is simple, make sure every student has a real chance to succeed.
Berta said attendance is a key part of that work. “Students need to be here,” Berta said. “When they are present and involved, they do better. It is that simple.” He added that engagement looks different for each student, so schools must create spaces where all students feel connected.
On the issue of chronic absenteeism, Berta said there is no one-size answer. “We have to look at each student and each family,” Berta said. “We find the cause, then we work to fix it. When school feels meaningful, students come.”
Berta said the District will balance support with clear expectations. Families will first be connected to help through Family Resource and Youth Services Centers. If concerns continue, attendance staff will step in to work with families. “We lead with support,” Berta said. “But we also keep the focus on responsibility.”
He pointed to real challenges many families face, including rising costs, food needs, and child care at home. These issues can keep students out of school. “Basic needs matter,” Berta said. “If those needs are not met, learning is hard. That is why our support systems are so important.”
In his first year, Berta said his top priorities are to strengthen support for students and families, build strong relationships, and improve attendance. He also wants schools to better meet individual student needs. “When students feel supported, they show up,” Berta said.
As for KCPS’ parents and guardians, the message is clear. “Being at school matters,” Berta said. “It helps students learn, build friendships, and stay connected. It sets them up for the future.”
Berta comes to KCPS with three years of experience as a DPP and a background in the classroom. He completed his studies at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. He and his wife have three children and are looking forward to being part of the KCPS community.
“My focus is on students,” Berta said. “Every student deserves support and a chance to succeed.”