Bensalem HS Announces New Principal, Vice Principal

BENSALEM, PA — Bensalem Township School District has announced the appointment of a a new Principal and Vice Principal at Bensalem High School.

On Tuesday, the school district announced that Frank Flanagan and Nicole M. Copestick would take on the roles of Principal and Vice Principal at the high school.

Flanagan, who previously served as high school assistant principal in both the Daniel Boone School District and the Downingtown Area School District, held various administrative positions in the Pennridge School District for th past decade.

He began his career in education in 2007, having worked as an English teacher, social studies teacher, teaching assistant, lacrosse, football, and tennis coach. With his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History from Penn State University, a Master’s in Professional and Secondary Education from West Chester University, and a K-12 Principal certification from Wilkes University, Flanagan is currently a Doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership and Administration at Gwynedd-Mercy University.

"I am excited to join the Bensalem community and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team," Flanagan said. "I am looking forward to serving our staff, students, and families in the upcoming school year and continuing the tradition of excellence at Bensalem High School."

Copestick is replacing Dr. Diana Garaitonandia, who will be leaving the district to join the Centennial School District, as Vice Principal.

Having taught Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Chemistry in Bensalem for the past nine years, Copstick has been on Special Assignment as an Assistant Principal at the high school. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Physiology from Gwynedd-Mercy College, a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from The Richard Stockton College of NJ, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with a Principal Certification from Holy Family University.

“I am beyond excited to continue to serve the students and families of Bensalem Township School District in my capacity as an Assistant Principal," Copestick said.

"I have been fortunate to work alongside some of the best educators, and I look forward to continuing our partnership so that we may challenge and support each student academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you to the school board, Dr. Lee, and each administrator for the professional growth opportunities and support thus far. It is truly an honor to be part of this community."