New Superintendent Touted By Bensalem School Directors

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — With the Bensalem Township School Board expected to approve the appointment of its next superintendent at its meeting on Wednesday night, several members praised Victoria Velazquez.

Velazquez has served in the district for more than 12 years, including a stint as interim superintendent since April.

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She replaces Schools Superintendent Samuel Lee, who announced his resignation last year after it was reported that the district was dealing with a "severe financial crisis."

"Throughout this process, and through my experience working alongside Dr. Victoria Velazquez, I have witnessed her lead with humility, diligence, integrity, and a genuine love for Bensalem," School Board President Deborah King said. "She knows this community, she believes in this community, and she understands that our students must remain at the heart of every decision we make."

Velazquez brings more than 26 years of experience as a public educator and educational leader, along with a connection to Bensalem as both a district leader and the parent of a district graduate.

"Dr. Velasquez is the exact right person in the exact right moment for the job and we are thrilled to support her as she helps usher in the school district into a new era of transparency and communication," School Director Rachel Fingles told Patch this week.

School Director Leann Hart said the superintendent search was focused on finding the strongest person to lead Bensalem, "whether that person came from across the country, across the county, or across the street."

"Throughout that process, Dr. Velazquez stood out," Hart said. "By the end of the second round, the board knew we had our new superintendent."

School Director Karen Winters chaired the superintendent search committee.

"We had many dedicated and qualified applicants," Winters said. After a thorough interview process that lasted several weeks, Dr. Velazquez distinguished herself as the clear choice."

Her nomination followed a search facilitated by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit that drew 27 applicants from five states.

"Her qualifications are exceptional," Winters said. "Dr. Velazquez's commitment to our community and district was evident through every stage of the process. Dr. Velazquez demonstrated a clear vision for the future of our schools and a deep understanding of the needs of our students. It was apparent that students were at the heart of her decisions. Choosing a superintendent is one of the most influential decisions that a board makes. I am thrilled with the decision."

The school district will hold a swearing-in ceremony for Velazquez at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1 at the main entrance lobby of Bensalem High School, 4319 Hulmeville Road.

Students, staff, and community members are invited to attend.