Bennett named Warren County High principal
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“I am very honored the committee has expressed their confidence in me,” said Bennett. “Becoming a principal is something I’ve always desired. With 2,000 students, the high school will be a lot different than Morrison, but I’ve always liked a challenge.”
Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale cited Bennett’s outstanding job during his eight-year tenure at Morrison, as well as his vision of constant improvement and teamwork in helping make him the unanimous choice of the principal selection committee.
“We wanted someone who was familiar with the Tennessee guidelines, such as the 1992 Education Improvement Act, and someone who could work together with different groups and who could interact well with the community,” said Hale. “Mr. Bennett has a record of success at Morrison and is very adept at completing his required duties. During his eight years there, he unified the school and its staff while putting together a good program based on good standards.”
In its selection, the committee, made up of Hale, School Board member Edd Cantrell, Director of Instruction Priscilla Wanamaker and Human Resources Director Roy Pierce, chose Bennett over the principal of a Kentucky high school as well as local high school assistant principals Ronnie Brown and Jeffrey Martin.
Asked why the committee chose Bennett, who one would think would be less familiar with high school operations than either Brown or Martin, Hale said while the assistant principals know their specific assignment well, they are not necessarily familiar with the overall operations of the school. Furthermore, “While sometimes it’s an advantage to be part of the process, sometimes it’s not and it’s good to have a fresh perspective,” Hale said.
While he doesn’t officially begin his new position until July 1 and is still principal of Morrison until that time, Bennett will be spending a few hours everyday at the high school in order to familiarize himself with operations as well as getting to know the school’s teachers and assistant principals.
As Bennett prepares to take over the high school’s reigns, school system officials now have to find his replacement at Morrison. Hale said the position is now posted and the committee hopes to find a replacement before the different summer programs begin.