A new year at Buckingham Elementary School brings a new leader: Bryan Jackson has been named the school’s new principal.

“I’m extremely excited to have this opportunity to be principal of the elementary school. I’m real excited to be able to work with the current staff,” Jackson said. “I’ve gotten to know them over the last couple years, and involved some really good relationships. That’s something I’m really excited to have at this level.”

Jackson previously served as assistant principal at the school; he succeeds Cindy O’Brien.

He said he’s excited to work with the primary school “to kind of bring the two schools together again and really collaborate as one complex.”

Jackson said the primary and elementary schools are creating a complex wide parent-teacher organization.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be in this position,” he said.

Division Superintendent Dr. Cecil Snead said Jackson has proven he is “steeped in honesty, integrity and love for children,” providing a style of leadership needed at the elementary school.

“His experience, as assistant principal, demonstrated that he has the qualities one needs to be an effective and honorable leader while working with all personality types within the division,” Snead said. “He has a firm grasp on instruction and pedagogical practice which helps him collaboratively develop a strong program for the children at Buckingham Elementary. It has already been a pleasure working with him in this capacity.”

Jackson — originally from Massachusetts — achieved his bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State College, majoring in psychology. He later received his post- baccalaureate degree in elementary education from Bridgewater. After moving to Virginia, he taught school in the city of Richmond for two years.

Jackson achieved his masters in guidance counseling in K-12 from Longwood University.