There is a new leader of the Broncos of Bennett’s Mill Middle. J.P. Ward was approved as the school’s new principal by the Fayette County Board of Education at their September 12 meeting. Ward has served as the school’s interim principal since mid-July.
“It is a dream come true to be named the full-time principal of such a great school,” said Ward. “Bennett’s Mill has a long history of excellence, and I am looking forward to leading a school of great students, teachers, parents, and community members.”
Ward has been the interim principal since Dr. Marcus Broadhead resigned to pursue other career goals. Ward began his career in education in 2008 as a math teacher at Fayette County High before becoming an assistant principal at Whitewater High in 2017.
He obtained a mechanical engineering degree from Georgia Tech and advanced degrees in mathematics education and in leadership from Georgia State University.
Prior to becoming an educator, he was an engineering manager and plant superintendent for a textile manufacturing company, then a small business owner in Fayette County.
“My belief is that all students should have equal access to the curriculum and equal opportunities to maximize their potential,” said Ward. “One of my main goals in education is to support students, teachers, and parents in order to increase student achievement and develop future leaders of our nation. Every student deserves a quality education, and that only happens when the school, families, and community work together in the best interest of our students.”
Ward and his wife, who is a teacher at Spring Hill Elementary, both grew up in Fayette County. They, along with their 3 children, went to Fayette County schools, and all graduated from Fayette County High School.
