Search Underway for New Walsingham Principal

By Amber Lester Thursday, April 01, 2010

Walsingham Academy has begun its search for its next Upper School principal.

About 15 people had applied by Wednesday afternoon, according to Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle, the school’s president, who sent an e-mail to parents about the search earlier this week. She said the school plans to keep the search open until the end of April.

Job advertisements have been posted nationally. A job ad found on Career Builder says job candidates should possess “administrative experience at the high school level, preferably private school experience, a master’s degree in educational administration, hold or obtain a Virginia license, and be a practicing Catholic.” The ad also requests candidates have at least three years of experience.

In late February, Walsingham informed its last Upper School Principal, Peter Bender, his contract would not be renewed for the 2010-2011 school year. Bender requested the dismissal take effect immediately. Since then, Oesterle has filled in as principal.

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

Prior to joining Walsingham in 2004, Bender was principal at Newsome Park Elementary School in Newport News.