Former principal reflects on recent weeks

As most know, many changes have arrived along with this 2014-15 school year. This includes the relocation of FC former principal, Todd Bennett. Prior to his move, Bennett worked at FC as principal for a number of five years after about 21 years of experience in education. Currently, he is the principal at Laurel Creek Elementary School in the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District. Laurel Creek is a large K-6 school with 940 enrolled students.

Garcia: How is Laurel Creek different from Fresno Christian?

Bennett: Laurel Creek is much larger than FCS, and it only serves kindergarten through sixth grade. It is similar to other public schools where I have worked. The school is ethnically and culturally diverse. Our largest ethnic groups are Hispanic, African American, and White. Our students represent all religions, as do our teachers.

Garcia: Do you miss FC?

Bennett: Yes! There are many things that I miss about Fresno Christian. I miss the students, faculty and staff. My family and I were so blessed to have spent five years in such a positive, faith-filled environment. The opportunity to focus on God’s Word every day at work, and to openly share my faith with students and colleagues was amazing. I am grateful that my children were able to graduate from such an outstanding school.

Garcia: How has God blessed you throughout the past year?

Bennett: The Lord has blessed my family and me in so many ways. I love my job, my wife is working at a small Christian school here in Fairfield, and my kids are both attending college up here. God has given me the opportunity to lead another great school, and be part of the lives of a new group of children. We are living in a great part of California. Fairfield is about mid-way between San Francisco and Sacramento. It takes about about an hour to get to either city.

Garcia: Is there anything that has changed?

Bennett: Moving to a new city, after a lifetime in Fresno, has been a pretty big change. My parents, sister, and closest friends are still in Fresno, so I don’t get to see them as often as I would like. Other than that, the changes have all been positive. It is exciting to take on new challenges and experiences.

Garcia: Do you have any further career goals?

Bennett: I love being a school site principal. I hope that I can have a positive influence on the students and with whom I work, and that I can serve my Lord and Savior wherever He calls me.

A previous article about Bennett, upon his arrival at Fresno Christian in 2009 can be read here.

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For more features, read the Feb. 2 article, Alumnus takes talents to professional level.