Mr. Jason Bennett will become the principal of Lugo-McGinness Academy (LMA) starting July 1.

Bennett is currently an assistant principal at Charlottesville High School and was previously the school’s dean of students. Lugo-McGinness Academy is a small, non-traditional academy that serves Charlottesville City Schools students in grades 9-12

“As an administrator at CHS, Jason Bennett has earned the trust of families by being a champion for their students through the ups and downs of adolescence,” said Dr. Royal A. Gurley, Superintendent of Charlottesville City Schools. “I am confident he will build on Lugo’s strong reputation for supporting our students.”

Bennett began his career in education as a special education teacher in West Virginia before joining Charlottesville High School in 2016 as its special education department chair. He has also served as the staff sponsor for CHS’s Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and a Virginia Tiered System of Support (VTSS) coach at multiple schools in CCS. Bennett holds a BA in music education and an MA in special education from West Virginia University. He is licensed in administration and supervision through Longwood University.

Mr. Bennett succeeds Dr. Lamont Trotter, who is becoming the division’s Director of Organizational Supports. 

“I look forward to working with the excellent team at Lugo to continue creating an environment where our students can find their path and thrive,” Bennett said. 

Families and students will have an opportunity to meet Bennett at a back-to-school event in August.