Interim Schools Superintendent Appointed In Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — The Bensalem School Board has appointed an interim schools superintendent to replace the departed Samuel Lee.

Lee — who had received a new four-year contract last year — stepped down in March after reports that the school district has a "severe financial situation."

He has been replaced by interim Schools Superintendent Victoria Velazquez.

School Board Director Leann Hart attended the swearing-in ceremony of Velazquez before Judge Charissa Liller of the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas.

"We are grateful to Dr. Velazquez for her leadership during this period of transition," Hart said.

Velazquez has served as the district's assistant to the schools superintendent for K-12 administration.

“Dr. Valesquez is exactly what Bensalem School District needs in this moment," School Director Rachel Fingles told Patch on Wednesday. "She knows the district inside and out, but more importantly, she has the heart to do what’s best for our students and staff — that kind of courage and fortitude is rare these days and she has more than stepped up.”

Lee's tenure began in July 2015 in an education career that has spanned four decades. The salary and terms of the contract extension were not disclosed by the school district.

In his resignation letter to the school community, Lee expressed gratitude for being able to serve the school community for over a decade.

(Leann Hart)