Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Stein recently announced that Mr. George Benzie, currently employed by the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School, has been appointed as the new Wayland Middle School Assistant Principal. Benzie will be replacing Karen Brennan, who is leaving Wayland Middle School to return to classroom teaching.

Benzie begins his new administrative assignment on July 1, 2013. The reputation of the Wayland Public Schools attracted a large pool of qualified candidates for the Assistant Principal’s position. WMS Principal, Betsy Gavron, led the interviewing process with assistance from the Assistant Superintendent, Brad Crozier. They screened approximately 140 applications prior to inviting eight candidates to participate in extensive interviews with Middle School faculty members who provide a variety of leadership functions within the Middle School and a member of the PTO Executive Board.

Benzie stood out as the candidate who was not only highly qualified, but who possessed the right balance of skills, experiences, and educational interests deemed most appropriate for the Middle School. He was the unanimous choice of those involved in the interview process.

Benzie completed his undergraduate studies at Siena College in Loudonville, New York, with a major in history and a minor in education. He earned his Master of Education with a major in educational administration from Boston College. After seven years of teaching math, history, and/or geography at the middle school level, Benzie made a decision to transition from teaching to administration, a role he has enjoyed for the last eight years.

A belief that every child deserves the opportunity for a world class education drives Benzie in his mission to ensure that the needs of all students be met by providing them with a nurturing and challenging learning environment. He is committed to achieving academic excellence through instructional leadership, supporting strong professional development and working with staff to foster collegial, collaborative relationships that inspire innovative curriculum.

Betsy Gavron is looking forward to introducing George to the students, staff, and families of the Wayland Middle School community. She is certain he will readily embrace the mission and traditions of the Middle School and will be well received by all.