Dr. Roger Ward has been named the new principal of Millbrook Elementary School for the 2022-23 school year, succeeding John Metts, the school’s current leader, who has accepted a new position within Aiken County Public Schools.
The Aiken County Board of Education approved Ward’s appointment during the school board’s May 10, 2022, regularly scheduled meeting.
“I can't wait to get to work at Millbrook, supporting staff and students and contributing to their continued work toward academic excellence,” Ward said.
His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, both from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, as well as a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.
He started his career in education as an elementary school teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee. He has spent the last 23 years in principal roles of two elementary schools and one middle school, and earned Principal of the Year during the 2017-18 school year.
Ward said Millbrook Elementary feels like home to him as he is currently the principal of a Title I school with a diverse population. Upon touring the school, he said he was excited to see highly professional and caring staff interacting with students as well as engaged and involved parents.
Community partnerships are high on Ward’s priority list, and he plans to get involved with local service organizations as soon as he arrives in Aiken County.
“The networking that happens for a school and the opportunities to contribute to the larger community are so important,” stated Ward.
Ward said his first goal is to begin to build professional connections with the stakeholders of the school.
“I want the students to know how much I care about them and their families and my vested interest in their school and life success,” said Ward. “I hope to find the very important ways that faculty and staff need for me to support them so that they too can find continued success in their work.”
He said he also plans to work closely with parents and community partners to ensure they stay involved with the school, and will encourage new community partners to engage with the school. Simultaneously, he plans to coordinate with faculty and staff to set both short-term and long-term goals for continual improvement at the school.
Ward’s duties as Millbrook Elementary School principal will begin in July.
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LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2022 PR MILLBROOK ELEM PRINCIPAL