Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) recently highlighted the journey of Jimmy Beard, a 1969 graduate of George Washington High School, as part of their Alumni Spotlight series. This initiative aims to celebrate former students and showcase their experiences and accomplishments.

Jimmy Beard began his career as a general laborer before moving into the roofing industry and eventually becoming a general contractor. He is now the president of J. Beard Management Inc., specializing in roofing, general contracting, construction management, and building commissioning. With over 45 years of experience in the construction industry, he has built a reputation for customer satisfaction in central Indiana.

Reflecting on his time at IPS, Beard credited his woodshop class at Washington High School for sparking his interest in construction. "Mr. Kenny Long was my woodshop teacher who had a significant impact on my life," he said. The class worked on projects for nearby homeowners, providing free labor while homeowners supplied materials. "After building our first garage, I was hooked and knew this was what I wanted to do."

Beard also emphasized the importance of communication skills learned at IPS: "I learned how to communicate with people who come from different backgrounds and cultures." He remains connected with the IPS community by creating opportunities for current students and advises them to work hard and excel in their chosen career paths.

He acknowledged facing challenges during his time at IPS, particularly adjusting from an all-Black environment to being in the minority at Washington High School. This experience contributed significantly to his personal growth.

Beard has been involved in initiatives aimed at improving education for current IPS students. He started a Student Empowerment Program that encourages students to improve their grades, attendance, and attitudes with the promise of jobs if they succeed.