Bensalem High School Principal Perry Retiring

The continued to accept several employee resignations Wednesday with one that stood out and had surprised district officials when they recently found out.

This will be the last school year for High School Principal Francis Perry, who started with the district in that position in January 2005.

Superintendent Bill Grtezula credited Perry 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

“In 2010 Bensalem High School students earned their highest PSSA scores ever in every subject except one,” Gretzula said.

The superintendent also praised Perry for his role in both ushering in the Classrooms For The Future program and developing plans for a new gymnasium, which will soon open. And he pointed out that Perry had hired 40 percent of the school staff.

“Perhaps just as important as test scores, facilities and budgeting, Mr. Perry will be remembered as a leader for bringing a sense of respect and caring for students and teachers at Bensalem High School,” he said.

Student board member Mike Brockett agreed that students have special feelings for Perry.

“I've lost track of how many times we've heard from students, past and current, who said ... that no other principal had as much passion for this school,” he told the board and audience.

Perry, who received a standing ovation from the board and staff members during the meeting, got choked up afterward when a Patch reporter asked him if retiring was a difficult decision.

“In many ways, tough. Too many great people,” he said, his voice trailing off.

The 59 year old said he was proud of the improvements of the student test scores and the new gym.

“The kids will be so proud to be able to play in their own gym for the first time ever. That is huge,” he said. “And the best of the best is so many kids thought they're the best of Bensalem.”

Gretzula said the district has advertised the position locally and nationally, with interviews planned for next month and the hiring of the “highest quality candidate” in time for the next school year.

Perry's last day has not been determined but he said he will take part in the pending opening of the high school gym.

The school board Wednesday approved the retirements of five employees. In addition to Perry, they comprise high school foreign language teacher Carol Linardis; teachers Margaret Gault and Rhona Slawter, both of Cornwells Elementary School; and librarian Ruth Fields.

Board member Harry Kramer pointed out that those employees have about 158 years of experience with the district. Colleague Ralph Douglass said “That's a tribute to the district. … They must feel it's a rewarding district.

Kramer said the board this year has now accepted the retirements of 34 teachers, 20 of whom are at the top of the district's pay scale, with salaries of $108,403.

District officials estimated in February that $1.4 million will be be saved by this year's retirements, as they hire teachers at significantly lower salaries.