SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — The Effingham County Board of Education has named Mike Ward as the new principal of South Effingham High School, filling the position vacated by Torian White, who recently accepted the superintendent's job with the Bulloch County School District.

The board approved Ward's appointment during its meeting Thursday. He currently serves as principal of Blandford Elementary School.

The board also approved Patsy Owens, currently an assistant principal at Blandford Elementary School, as Ward's successor at the school.

Ward brings more than 20 years of experience in education to the position. His career began as a middle school special education teacher in the Bulloch County School System before joining the Effingham County School District, where he spent 11 years as a special education teacher, football coach and track coach.

He later worked at Wayne County High School as a special education and physical education teacher, football and track coach, and assistant athletic director. Ward subsequently served as assistant principal at Wayne County High School and principal of Arthur Williams Middle School before returning to Effingham County as principal of Blandford Elementary for the 2025-26 school year.

During his tenure at Arthur Williams Middle School, the school recorded its highest reading-score growth in school history and received recognition from the state superintendent for gains in mathematics achievement.

Most recently, Ward led Blandford Elementary School during the 2025-26 school year.

In a statement, Ward said he is honored to join the South Effingham community and plans to focus on creating a safe, supportive and high-performing learning environment.

"As principal of South Effingham High School, my mission is to cultivate a safe, supportive and high-performing learning environment where every student is empowered to excel academically, grow as a leader and prepare for success beyond graduation," Ward said.

Ward said he looks forward to building relationships with students, staff, families and the community while continuing the school's tradition of excellence.

Ward and his wife, Amanda, have four children.