Grant Bennett

Grant Bennett has served as an ACS WASC Commissioner for 8 years and serves as an Association of California School Administrators representative. Mr. Bennett is currently the superintendent of the Perris Union High School District (PUHSD) and in his 26 years with the district he has contributed to the success of students at all levels. Mr. Bennett began his career with PUHSD at Perris High School (PHS) and over the years served as a math teacher, baseball coach, and athletic director. Mr. Bennett's experience and dedication made him the obvious choice when he was selected to lead PHS as principal. Some roles in education are talked about as a once in a lifetime opportunity and Mr. Bennett experienced this when he was selected to open Heritage High School, a new high school in PUHSD. Mr. Bennett cultivated relationships across the district and the community and is known for his pragmatic approach while being kind and patient. These attributes served him and PUHSD well when he was selected to be director of pupil services and when he moved over to be the director of curriculum and instruction. As with most districts, PUHSD had a level of uncertainty and angst when California implemented the Common Core State Standards. Mr. Bennett lead this change in the manner that is true to his character. He assuaged people's fears of change with his strong relationships and was pragmatic with staff when problem solving. Mr Bennett’s skillset made him the driving force behind the implementation of the Common Core in English and Math for PUHSD. Again, when PUHSD needed a steady hand, Mr. Bennett was selected as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services which he served as for one year before being selected Superintendent of PUHSD.

Mr. Bennett received his Bachelor’s degree from California State University Long Beach in mathematics and a Master’s degree from National University in educational administration. He has been heavily involved in the Perris Community, serving for more than 12 years on the board of directors for the Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce, including 5 years as president. In addition, Mr. Bennett has been a member of the Rotary Club of Perris for more than 18 years.