J.P. Ward (Principal)

J. P. Ward began his education career in 2008 as a math teacher at Fayette County High School.  In 2017 he became an assistant principal at Whitewater High School (Go Cats!).  Prior to becoming an educator, Mr. Ward was an engineering manager and plant superintendent for a textile manufacturing company and then a small business owner here in Fayette County.  

Mr. Ward believes that all students should have equal access to the curriculum and equal opportunities to maximize their potential.  One of his main goals in education is to support students, teachers, and parents in order to increase student achievement and develop future leaders of our nation.

Mr. Ward and his wife Michelle grew up in Fayette County.  Mrs. Ward is currently a special education teacher at Spring Hill Elementary.  Both, along with their three children, went to Fayette County schools and all graduated from Fayette County High School.  After high school, Mr. Ward obtained a Mechanical Engineering degree from Ga. Tech (Go Jackets!).  He later received a Master of Education degree from Ga. State in mathematics education, a Specialist degree from Piedmont College in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Specialist degree from Ga. State in Leadership.  In his spare time, Mr. Ward is an avid sports fan and enjoys tennis, golf, fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family and granddaughter. 

Ms. Aimee Gumerson, Assistant Principal

• Bachelor's Degree:  Georgia State University - English and Middle Grades Education; Minor in Math
• Masters Degree:  University of West GA - Educational Leadership

Ms. Rica Smith, Assistant Principal

• Bachelor's Degree:  Clemson University - Business Management
• Teacher Certification:  Mercer University - Middle Grades 4-8 with concentration in Math and Language Arts
• Master's Degree:  Central Michigan University - Curriculum and Instruction
• Specialist:  Lincoln Memorial University - Educational Leadership