Interim Bensalem Schools Superintendent Thrust Into Spotlight

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — Victoria Velazquez was going about her job as she had for the past dozen years in the Bensalem Township School District when suddenly everything changed.

The district's longtime Schools Superintendent Samuel Lee announced his resignation during a crucial time as the district was dealing with a "severe financial crisis."

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As they say in sports when a star player suffers a major injury: "Next Man up." In this case, it was the next leader up.

"I spent over a decade serving this district," she told Patch. "I know our schools and the community. It's stepping up in a critical time."

Velazquez has worked in the school district for 12 years in several key leadership roles: Assistant to the Superintendent for K-12 Administration, Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction/Federal Programs, and Supervisor of Data and Assessment/Federal Programs.

The school board appointed her as the interim schools superintendent, thrusting her into the spotlight of a school district struggling to reduce a 2026-2027 school budget and a deficit of $15-16 million.

In her first meeting in her new post, the Bensalem School Board approved eliminating 31 teacher, administrative, and staffing positions.

Velazquez, though, is ready for her role.

"Right now, the moment calls for calm, steady, and thoughtful leadership," she said. "We need to move forward with purpose, care, and what matters most to everyone — our students."

Velazquez has 26 years of experience as a public educator and leader who serves with "diligence and dedication."

A firm believer in "the power of education to open doors and transform lives, Velazquez has spent her career advocating for students and working alongside families and communities to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed and achieve their dreams.

Before joining Bensalem, Velazquez served as a principal in the School District of Philadelphia and the Norristown Area School District.

Velazquez is also an adjunct professor at a local university, teaching graduate-level courses in principal preparation, where she supports the next generation of school leaders.

She didn't always want to pursue the education path.

Velazquez said that she started as a business major because she saw a lot of stability in that profession.

"But I followed my heart and switched gears," she said. "I'm one of those very lucky souls who always knew my purpose. I was a student on a school bus helping people with their homework."

Now she's leading a school district of 6,200 students.

When not focused on education, Velazquez is out in the community, serving as president of the Bensalem Rotary Club, a member of the Bensalem Township Police Department Youth Aid Panel, and a participant on the Bucks County Children and Youth Advisory Board.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and a Master of Science in Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology from Temple University, a Principal Certification from Drexel University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University.

Her daughter graduated from the school district, which further deepened her mission, personal connection, and commitment to the schools and community."

While the school board will conduct a search for its next superintendent, Velazquez would like to be the choice.

"I'm definitely interested in doing it permanently," she said. "I understand our priorities. I care about our community. It's a true honor to serve this community."