Justin Reich Hired as New Principal of Garden City Achieve

Garden City Public Schools hired Justin Reich to serve as the next principal of Garden City Achieve. He was approved at the Board of Education Meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Reich currently serves as the head principal at Jennie Barker Elementary School and has quickly built a reputation as a strong relational leader who leads with trust, high expectations, and a deep commitment to student success. Prior to leading Jennie Barker, he served as an administrative intern and administrative interim at Florence Wilson Elementary School and Victor Ornelas Elementary School, where he helped strengthen building systems, support staff, and build positive school cultures.

Garden City Achieve Academy plays a critical role in the district’s work to ensure every student has a pathway to graduation, belonging, and long-term success. District leaders believe Reich’s leadership style and systems mindset make him the right fit to continue the positive momentum underway at the academy.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and families of the Garden City Achieve Academy,” Reich said. “Achieve has become an incredible place of hope, second chances, and student-centered support. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and continuing to create systems that help every student see a path forward to graduation and life after high school.”

Josh Guymon, Superintendent of Garden City Public Schools, said Reich stood out throughout the process because of his ability to lead people, build trust quickly, and create clarity around the work that matters most for students.

“Justin is a proven leader who understands that strong relationships and strong systems must work together,” Guymon said. “GC Achieve is an important piece of our district’s student success work, and Mr. Reich has the leadership presence, care for people, and focus on outcomes needed to continue growing the incredible work happening there.”

Guymon also thanked Lucas Sullivan for the transformational work he has led at Achieve.

“We are incredibly grateful to Lucas Sullivan for the work he has done to help turn Garden City Achieve Academy into a place where students can reset, refocus, and graduate,” Guymon said. “The culture and systems built under his leadership have positioned the academy for continued success.”

Reich will begin at Garden City Achieve starting the 2026-27 school year, with district leaders working closely with staff to support a smooth leadership transition.