Photo PROVIDED Jack Fisher took his place as the new principal at Bridgeport High School following an extensive interview process with stakeholders. Fisher said it was always his dream to serve as an administrator and he has accomplished that goal.

BRIDGEPORT — Jack Fisher is living his dream as the new principal at Bridgeport High School.

The Martins Ferry native set down roots in Bridgeport to raise a family with a goal to one day helm a school building, and now he is excited to begin this new chapter. He officially began on Aug. 1 but spent the summer becoming acclimated to his new surroundings and transitioning into the role. Fisher is looking forward to overseeing the high school and its estimated 205 students in grades 9-12.

“I grew up around good principals who were positive role models and feel very fortunate because this is my dream job,” he said. “I worked a lot with the administrative team and they really have a dedication to learning. I can’t believe how impressive the school district is.

Fisher graduated from Martins Ferry High School in 2009 and West Liberty University in 2015 with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and music with a focus on music education. From there, he earned a master’s in education at Kent State University in 2017. He spent one year working at Rootstown High School but returned to serve as a counselor at Belmont Career Center for five more years, then he decided to take a leap of faith as a school administrator.

“Even from my first year at Rootstown, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” Fisher said. “It wasn’t a matter of if, it was a matter of when. My wife and I knew I wanted to come back home.”

He and his spouse, Rebecca, have made a home in the village and are raising their two young sons, Jacob and Riley. Three-year-old Jacob will join his dad in the district when he starts preschool while Riley, 2, is also destined to be a Bulldog.

Fisher said he is focusing on building a relationship with the staff and students and that will lay the foundation to future success.

“I’m thankful to be a part of this community and to work in a community where I live, that the district is part of and where my kids will be enrolled. It’s a great thing to be part of.”

Superintendent Brent Ripley said a bevy of school stakeholders were involved in selecting the new principal and Fisher was an excellent choice.

“He went through an extensive interview process with administrators, teachers, students, the superintendent and the board,” he added. “There were two rounds and ultimately it was down to two people who were great. We felt he was the best choice. The district and board are looking forward to the culture that Mr. Fisher is quickly establishing. Our district is one that focuses on the power of the team, and in a very short time he has quickly proven himself as a valued member.”