Bentley Academy Appoints New Head of School

SALEM, MA—Bentley Academy Charter School students now have a new head of school, as the Board of Trustees for the charter school named the new school head Wednesday.

Marlena Afonso, who currently serves as the Dean of Curriculum, was named the new head of school Wednesday by the Board of Trustees. Afonso replaces Justin Vernon, who recently accepted a new position.

“We are proud of all that Bentley has achieved this past year as an in-district charter school,” said Bentley Board of Trustees Chair Ryan Lovell in a release. “Marlena Afonso has been instrumental to this progress. She has a true passion for creating learning environments that support academic achievement.”

The announcement indicated that Afonso was selected based on strong leadership skills, a track record of success and her relationship with the school's faculty. In addition, the release cited her unwavering commitment to urban education.

Afonso earned a Master's degree from Arizona State and Harvard Graduate School of Education. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Providence College, and is a Lynch Leadership Academy Fellow.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead Bentley,” said Afonso in the release. “I look forward to working with all of the faculty and staff at Bentley and continuing to partner with Salem Public Schools to ensure that every student achieves.”