Walsingham Dismisses Principal; National Search Expected

By Amber Lester Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Walsingham Academy is looking for a new principal for the Upper School after dismissing Peter Bender on Monday.

After being informed his contract would not be renewed for 2010-2011, Bender requested the dismissal be effective immediately. The school’s president, Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle, will fill in temporarily as principal. “My sincere hope was that he would finish out the year, but he asked if he could make it his last day,” she said. “So I had to respect that. He certainly has done a tremendous job.”

Oesterle said it was time to move in a “more collaborative” direction, but credited Bender for much advancement during his six years at the school. “He oversaw many, many changes. He has certainly moved the school forward in a very positive and affirming way,” she said.

The school will likely launch a national search for its next principal next week, Oesterle said. In the meantime, she’s looking forward to interacting with students again. Before becoming president in 2003, she was principal of the Lower School for 14 years. “I’ll enjoy it because it gets me back with the students,” she said. “This faculty in the Upper School has been tremendous. All stepped forward to say, ‘No problem. We will not miss a beat.’”

In a press release, Oesterle said, “Any change – especially sudden change – is difficult. I want to assure all Upper School students, families, faculty and staff that Walsingham remains committed to our community’s traditions of excellence.”

Prior to joining Walsingham in 2004, Bender was principal at Newsome Park Elementary School in Newport News. In 2003, he was named WHRO’s “Technology Administrator of the Year” for his work to integrate technology into classrooms.