Wayland Middle Hires New Assistant Principal

George Benzie has been selected from a pool of about 140 applicants to step in as the next assistant principal at Wayland Middle School.

According to a press release, Benzie currently works at the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School. When he begins with Wayland on July 1, 2013, he will replace current WMS assistant principal Karen Brennan who will return to classroom teaching after this school year.

The process of selecting Benzie included WMS Principal Betsy Gavron, along with Assistant Superintendent Brad Crozier, screening about 140 applicants before inviting eight individuals to participate in interviews with WMS faculty and a member of the PTO Executive Board.

"Benzie stood out as the candidate who was not only highly qualified, but who possessed the right balance of skills, experiences, and educational interests deemed most appropriate for the Middle School," according to the press release. "He was the unanimous choice of those involved in the interview process."

The press releases states that Benzie holds an undergraduate degree in history with a minor in education from Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. He then earned his Master of Education from Boston College with a major in educational administration. Benzie taught math, history and geography at the middle school level for seven years before transitioning to administration, where he has worked for the past eight years.

Benzie is motivated by the belief, according to the press release "that every child deserves the opportunity for a world class education."

"He is committed to achieving academic excellence through instructional leadership, supporting strong professional development and working with staff to foster collegial, collaborative relationships that inspire innovative curriculum," the release continues. 

Gavron expressed in the press release her confidence in Benzie's ability to "embrace the mission and traditions of the middle school" and said she expects he will be "well received" by students, staff and families.