Respected Macon principal’s return to Peach County is a ‘full circle moment’
After five years as principal of Southwest High School in Macon, Bernard Young is leaving the Bibb County School District to return to where his career began: Peach County Schools .
Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, Young will be the assistant superintendent and principal supervisor, the district announced Tuesday .
Young told The Telegraph he is honored to receive the appointment and appreciates the community’s support of his next chapter.
“Peach County is where my journey in education began, and returning in this capacity represents a meaningful full circle moment in my career,” Young said in an email on March 3. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve students, educators, and families at the district level while continuing to build strong systems that support academic achievement and organizational excellence.”
Southwest High was once known for having the lowest graduation rate in the Bibb County School District, climbing from 39% in 2012 to 92.9% in 2025, as previously reported by The Telegraph. The rate now surpasses both district and state averages.
Young, who became Southwest’s principal in 2021 after five years as assistant principal, has been credited with leading “significant improvements in student achievement, school culture and operational effectiveness,” according to the Peach County Schools post announcing his appointment.
“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,” the district said.
Young began his education career as a math teacher in Peach County, instructing students at standard, remedial and advanced levels while aligning lessons with district and state standards, Peach County Schools said. He also coached football, soccer and basketball teams in the district during his initial tenure.
Peach County Schools also highlighted Young’s previous role as an instructional and academic coach at the 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.”
‘Finish what we started’
Current and former Southwest High students have praised Young’s leadership style, noting that he emphasizes student achievement through personalized learning and treats students as more than just numbers.
Young has incorporated the philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — at the high school to emphasize collective effort and encourage staff to help students reach their potential.
Young said he is committed to completing the school year at Southwest before fully transitioning to Peach County.
“We have built strong momentum, and it is important to me to finish what we started and ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition for our students, staff and families,” he said.