The Berwick Area Board of School Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Jason Bendle as the district’s next superintendent. Dr. Bendle will officially assume his new role this summer, ushering in a new era of leadership for Berwick.
Dr. Bendle brings a wealth of executive leadership experience to Berwick. Currently serving as Superintendent of the Shikellamy School District since June 2019, he previously led the Danville Area School District and the St. Clair Area School District, where he began his superintendent journey in February 2014 as Acting Superintendent and then Superintendent, effective August 2015. His career in education spans more than two decades, including service as secondary level Social Studies teacher, K–8 principal in St. Clair for seven years and Dean of Students at D.H.H. Lengle Middle School in Pottsville. As Shikellamy’s Superintendent, Bendle was noted for increasing academic offerings throughout the district and shaping a career pathways model. In the school districts he has led, Dr. Bendle has fostered improvement in student achievement, improved fiscal operations, and has overseen multiple construction and renovation projects. Beyond the classroom and the boardroom, Dr. Bendle has spent over a decade actively coaching youth and interscholastic athletics and engaging in community organizations—demonstrating a deep-rooted belief in the power of schools as cornerstones of the community.
"I'm deeply honored and excited to serve as Berwick's leader, and I look forward to working together to achieve great things." Dr. Bendle said. “I look forward to partnering with Berwick’s talented educators, dedicated administrators, engaged community members, and the committed School Board. I have already witnessed the deep commitment of the staff and board members during this process. My first obligation is to spend the first 90 days truly getting to know Berwick. I want to listen, learn, and engage with staff, and develop a trusting, accountability-driven partnership with the Board. We all want excellence for every student, and I will give every effort of mind and spirit to that cause.”
Dr. Bendle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Millersville University. He earned his Doctorate in Education from Immaculata University.
Board President Jared Yost shared his enthusiasm for this new chapter:
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Bendle to the Berwick community. We have had robust, district wide discussions throughout the search, and we are grateful for the thoughtfulness and candor we’ve experienced from our staff. Having said that, we also believe Dr. Bendle has a deep understanding of leadership, defined by a sense of critical thinking, courageous decision making, and a passion for marshalling the resources necessary to maximize the educational experience for the students of Berwick. We want to leverage the strengths of Berwick to build a district that is an undisputed example of excellence both regionally and beyond. We believe Dr. Bendle is the right leader at the right time for Berwick.”
In welcoming Bendle, the Board also extended thanks to Mrs. Wendy Kupsky for her service as our previous Superintendent, and to Mr. Paul Caputo, whose steady leadership as Acting Superintendent ensured a smooth and thoughtful transition.