About Us

Located in Board of Education District 1 and KCS Region 5, Maynard Elementary School is a true community school.

Nestled in the heart of Mechanicsville, between the historic neighborhoods of Western Heights and Fort Sanders, Maynard Elementary serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade with a strong sense of pride and purpose. As a small, close-knit school community, Maynard is home to approximately 130 students and 37 dedicated staff members who work together to create a nurturing, inclusive, and academically engaging environment.

At Maynard, students benefit from a variety of programs designed to foster personal growth, build character, and strengthen community ties. Signature initiatives include Real Talk, Good Neighbor monthly recognition, a robust PBIS framework, and an engaging House System that promotes school spirit and unity across all grade levels.

The House System is a cornerstone of the Maynard experience, encouraging students to build connections beyond their own classrooms. Each house represents one of the school’s core values—Responsibility, Caring, Respect, and Citizenship—instilling a sense of purpose, pride, and belonging in every student.

Maynard Elementary is more than just a school—it’s a vibrant community where relationships are strong, learning is celebrated, and every child is known, supported, and inspired to succeed.

Principal

Shaunna Foster

Shaunna Foster began her journey with Knox County Schools in 2004 as a dedicated classroom teacher at Belle Morris Elementary School. With a passion for student growth and a commitment to educational excellence, Ms. Foster quickly distinguished herself as a leader among her peers.

Her drive to support both students and fellow educators led her to roles as an instructional coach at Green Magnet Academy and Chilhowee Intermediate, where she worked to build strong instructional practices and foster collaborative learning environments. In 2017, she was honored to be selected for the prestigious Leadership Academy and placed at Gibbs Elementary School, where she served as an assistant principal. Her leadership continued to shine, and in 2018, she was named assistant principal at Karns Elementary School.

Since 2021, Ms. Foster has served as the executive principal of Maynard Elementary, where she has focused on building a positive school culture, empowering teachers, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. Her collaborative leadership style, deep understanding of curriculum, and unwavering dedication to equity and excellence have made a lasting impact on the school community.

Ms. Foster holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Austin Peay State University, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University, an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, and an additional Education Specialist degree in Administration and Leadership from the University of Tennessee.

email Ms. foster

Assistant Principal

Amanda Gentry

Amanda Gentry began her educational journey as a passionate 4th grade teacher, where she quickly discovered her calling to not only support students, but also to empower fellow educators. Her desire to make a broader impact led her to serve as an instructional coach at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy in Knoxville, TN. In this role, she worked closely with teachers and students across grades K–5, focusing on strengthening instructional practices and fostering a culture of continuous professional growth.

With a heart for leadership and a deep commitment to student success, Mrs. Gentry transitioned into administration as an Assistant Administrator at Austin-East Magnet High School. She later joined Maynard Elementary School, continuing in her leadership journey with a focus on student achievement, teacher development, and school-wide success.

Currently, Mrs. Gentry serves as the Assistant Principal at Maynard Elementary, where she directly oversees 3rd through 5th grades. Her leadership is rooted in building strong relationships, supporting rigorous instruction, and ensuring a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.

Mrs. Gentry earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from South College. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership in 2016, followed by an Educational Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership in Schools from South College in 2018. Committed to lifelong learning, she is currently pursuing her doctorate to further deepen her impact in the field of education.

Email Mrs. Gentry

Staff Directory

Our staff directory provides a comprehensive and easily accessible listing of school and district personnel. Searches can be made by name, job title, or facility location.

Search Directory

Calendar

Maynard Elementary follows an academic calendar approved by the Board of Education that identifies the first and last day of school; student and teacher in-service days; school holidays; and grading periods.

These calendars are detailed by school year.

See School Calendar

Logo Image

Logo Title

In This Section