Our Middle School Principal is Mrs. Paula Newton. Mrs. Newton holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Education with a major in Curriculum and Instruction and Elementary Administration from Arkansas State University. She started her educational journey teaching Kindergarten in the Little Rock School District from 1983 - 1987. After staying home with her 3 sons for 18 years, she went back to teaching 4th grade in Stuttgart from 2005 - 2012. She moved to Harrison in 2012 to become the elementary principal at Alpena Elementary School until 2016. She has been the MCES elementary principal for the past 6 years.

Now Mrs. Newton will be leading Academics Plus Charter School’s new middle school with grades 4th - 7th. 

She believes that every child should have the opportunity to learn in an environment that ensures they reach their full potential as a student. She strives to be the best leader possible for the staff and students and to grow Maumelle Middle Charter School as the top middle school in the state. 

Paula is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching the Arkansas Razorbacks and is a St. Louis Cardinals fan. She and her husband, Terry have 4 sons and 3 grandchildren. They enjoy playing golf and spending time with their family.