11 Candidates Move Forward In Bensalem Superintendent Search

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — The search for a new schools superintendent is moving to the first round of interviews, school officials said.

School Director Karen Winters — who chairs the committee conducting the search to replace longtime superintendent Samuel Lee — provided Patch with an update on Tuesday.

Winters said that the search committee continues to make "excellent progress" in its search process.

She said the school board received 27 applications for the Bensalem Township School District's top position, and that 11 candidates have been selected for the first round of interviews.

Lee — who had received a new four-year contract last year — stepped down in March after reports that the school district has a "severe financial situation."

He has been replaced by interim Schools Superintendent Victoria Velazquez.

The school board had voted to retain the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to facilitate the search process.

School officials said the Bucks IU is an experienced provider of superintendent and education executive search services and will support the board by developing interview protocols, assisting with logistics, and facilitating the interview process.

"Bucks IU has been instrumental in providing support and guidance," Winters said.

The school board retains sole responsibility for determining which candidates advance through each stage of the process and for selecting the district’s next superintendent.