Bensalem High School Gets New Principal

A former Bucks County principal who has been working in the South is the new principal at Bensalem High School.

Robert A. Anderson was chosen by the school board at a special meeting Wednesday.

He replaces Francis Perry, who recently announced his retirement after serving in the role for six years.

According to a press release from the district:

Anderson has served as a principal in several high schools including Edwin O. Smith High School in Connecticut; New Hope-Solebury Junior/Senior High School; Pottsgrove High School; Wissahickon High School; Holmdel High School in New Jersey; Brick Township Memorial High School in New Jersey; and most recently as principal of Bluffton High School in Bluffton, South Carolina.

The release did not state when Anderson served in New Hope-Solebury but a Google search Wednesday night showed his tenure included 1992. The online search also revealed he was a finalist this spring for a principal's position at Somerset High School in Massachusetts.

Currently, he is the coordinator of athletics and social studies K-12 for the Beaufort County School District, which serves 20,000 students in more than 30 schools.

He also serves on the Beaufort County Parks and Leisure Services Advisory Board, as well as coaching youth sports.

Anderson received his bachelor's degree in secondary English, history and English from the University of Rhode Island and his master’s degree in education from Rhode Island College. He is certified as a principal in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and South Carolina.

He has taught social studies, English and environmental science, and coached soccer, basketball and baseball. He has also successfully written grant applications and served as a class adviser.

His return to Bucks County will allow him to relocate in Bensalem with his wife and three school-age children.

The accepted Perry's retirement May 11.

At that time, Superintendent Bill Gretzula credited Perry, 59, with “bringing a new era of academic credibility to Bensalem High School.” He said Perry increased the number of advanced placement classes from three to 13 and lifted the math and reading state PSSA scores 21 and 20 points respectively.

Gretzula said in May that the district had advertised the open position locally and nationally.

At the time of Perry's retirement, his last day was undetermined, and Wednesday's press release did not say when Anderson would start.

Patch was not notified of Wednesday's special meeting, so it was not immediately known if Anderson's selection was unanimous.