X

Potsdam Central High School principal stepping down, middle school principal stepping in

Posted 6/26/17

POTSDAM — Potsdam Central School High School Principal Allison Benedict is stepping down and will be replaced by A.A. Kingston Middle School Principal Mark Bennett. Benedict informed her staff June …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Potsdam Central High School principal stepping down, middle school principal stepping in

Posted

POTSDAM — Potsdam Central School High School Principal Allison Benedict is stepping down and will be replaced by A.A. Kingston Middle School Principal Mark Bennett.

Benedict informed her staff June 21 that she would not be returning to the district in the fall, according to PCS Superintendent Joann Chambers.

“Mrs. Benedict has had a positive impact on our school over the past year, but she has decided to pursue some opportunities closer to her home,” Chambers said in an email. “We are grateful for her leadership this year at the high school and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”

Benedict was an instructional support teacher at Salmon River prior to taking the position at PCS, having previously been the principal and assistant principal at Salmon River as well. She has 11 years experience as an English teacher and spent one year teaching native studies at Massena Central.

June 21 was Benedict’s final day with the district.

Bennett, who has been with the district for several years, will assume the role of high school principal in early August.

“Though I know A.A.K. staff, students and parents will be sorry to see him go, I am confident he will do an excellent job leading Potsdam High School,” Chambers said. “With eight years’ experience as a school administrator, Mr. Bennett has a proven track record in educational leadership. He has built positive relationships in our community and, because he knows every students who will be in the high school next year, we believe the transition will be smooth for all.”

The school will be advertising for a new middle school principal immediately, with a July 18 application deadline.

The Board of Education will look for three parents of middle school students to serve on an advisory committee to fill this position. Anyone interested in being on the committee is asked to contact Davida Martin by June 30.

“I know changes can be unsettling,” Chambers said. “However, I am confident that the strong faculties in both the middle and high school will work together to ensure the transitions are very smooth for our new principals.”

Chamber encouraged any community member to contact her directly with any questions about the new principals.