There are educators who build careers, and then there are those who build communities. Beth Payton, a proud product of the Bartow County School System, has been named the new principal and CEO of the Bartow County College and Career Academy (BCCCA), bringing 22 years of experience, heart, and hometown pride to the role.
“Being able to serve the BCCCA in this capacity is a truly humbling and exciting opportunity,” said Payton. “It embodies what I value most in a student’s learning: strong content knowledge, real-world application, and meaningful community involvement. I look forward to working alongside the staff to build upon its foundation and expand what we can offer students in the future.”
Payton’s journey is uniquely Bartow. A Cass High School graduate, she has spent every year of her career serving the school system that helped shape her. From the classroom to the athletic field to school leadership, she has made a lasting impact across the district and now takes the helm of one of its most innovative schools.
“How remarkable are the opportunities that exist there,” said Payton. “Students are exploring high-demand pathways, gaining the knowledge and skills that will launch them into success. Inside that building is the powerful culmination of teachers, leaders, and community members pouring into students so they can one day give back to Bartow County. It is truly the epitome of what education should be.”
Payton began her career at Red Top Middle School (then South Central), where she taught Science and Reading while coaching nearly every sport imaginable, including a memorable stint as an assistant football coach.
At Adairsville High School, she expanded her reach, teaching everything from Biology and AP Environmental Science to Spanish, while continuing to coach and mentor students. Her ability to connect with students across interests, from academics to athletics, quickly became a hallmark of her leadership.
When Bartow County Schools launched its magnet programs, Payton helped shape the future as the STEM Magnet Coordinator, laying the groundwork for opportunities students continue to benefit from today. She later stepped into the role of Associate Principal, where she has served for the past three years.
“There is a sense of fulfillment in serving the community that poured into your own development that cannot be matched,” added Payton. “I love serving our students, supporting our teachers, and engaging our families. This is a community effort, and Bartow County is such a special place to live, thrive, and call home. I want to continue preserving that sense of connection in every role I serve.”
With a vision rooted in growth and service, Payton steps into her new role this summer. While she isn’t looking to reinvent BCCCA, she is focused on strengthening what already works and expanding opportunities for students.
Her background in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) makes her a natural fit. From early collaboration with CTAE teachers to serving as a Magnet Coordinator over CTAE fields and later as CTAE Director at Adairsville High School, Payton has seen firsthand the impact of hands-on, industry-connected learning.
“I quickly understood that CTAE is a collaborative effort to build knowledge, develop skills, and connect with industry partners to meet workforce needs,” said Payton. “As CTAE director at Adairsville High School, I gained a deep appreciation for the complexity and excellence required for each program to succeed. CTAE teachers are masters of their craft, and they pour that expertise into students every single day.”
Outside of school, Payton brings that same sense of curiosity and adventure to her personal life. Originally a Marine Science major at Coastal Carolina University, she once envisioned a future tied to the ocean rather than education. Her journey has taken her around the world, including time living in Argentina, where she became fluent in Spanish.
These days, you’re most likely to find her outdoors with her family, on a hiking trail, working toward their goal of completing the Appalachian Trail, or relaxing with a good book on the shores of Jekyll Island.