Peach County Schools

A. Bernard Young is an experienced educational leader with more than two decades of professional leadership spanning education and organizational management. He currently serves as Principal of Southwest Magnet High School and Law Academy, where he has led significant improvements in student achievement, school culture, and operational effectiveness. Under his leadership, the school’s graduation rate increased from 69 percent to 92 percent, disciplinary incidents were reduced by 30 percent, and teacher performance ratings improved by 20 percent. Mr. Young previously served as Assistant Principal at Southwest and as an Instructional and Academic Coach at Twiggs County Comprehensive High School, where he strengthened instructional practices, developed the school’s first gifted and high- achiever academic track, and launched its initial Move on When Ready dual enrollment cohort. His career in education began in Peach County as a mathematics instructor, where he taught students at the standard, remedial, and advanced levels while aligning instruction with district and state standards. During his time in Peach, he also coached football, soccer, and basketball. Prior to entering education, he served in branch leadership roles in the financial services industry, bringing organizational and operational experience to his educational leadership. He holds an Educational Specialist and Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University. He is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Leadership at Georgia Southern University. Mr. Young is married to the Honorable Chéferre Young, who is the Chief Judge of the Macon Judicial Circuit Juvenile Court, which encompasses Bibb, Peach, and Crawford Counties. They are the proud parents of two sons, Ian and Aidan.