Email: mbensinger@rivervalleyschools.org

Phone: 269-756-7619

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Hello River Valley Community,

I am excited to serve as your new Middle/High School Principal. My name is Mark Bensinger, and I’ve been enjoying every moment since my journey here began on April 9th. My career has been diverse and enriching, encompassing roles from a police officer to educator to building principal, and even a stint as a real estate agent in central Michigan following two back surgeries. I served Olivet Middle School as building principal for 4 years, I served a year as the DeWitt Jr. High AP/AD, 4 years as principal of Dewitt's 5-6 building, Herbison Woods School, and a school year at Blended Learning Academy's Credit Recovery HS in DeWitt Twp. as Build Leader.

This varied background has provided me with a broad perspective on leadership, where respect, responsibility, high expectations, and community engagement are paramount. I am dedicated to fostering an environment where every student and staff member feels valued and empowered to learn and improve. Together with our capable team, including Assistant Principal Jason Oetjens, Athletic Director Colby Caid, and other office staff we are focusing on enhancing instructional leadership and nurturing a positive school climate and culture of high expectations coupled with the support to achieve.

On a personal note, my family is deeply connected to this beautiful region. We spent over 10 years enjoying summers on Lake Michigan in the Silver Lake area when the kids were younger. My son is turning 21 soon, and my daughter, a junior at Waverly High School, will be graduating next year. We plan to move closer to the community once she graduates. We do have a home to sell in Dimondale and a few things that need to be done over this next year, but they are not huge. In the meantime, I’m staying at the Lakeside Inn and planning to find a transitional apartment this fall. (Keep me in mind for the fall if you have a condo or other rental!) I am looking forward to deepening our connections and working together to inspire our students to learn and grow in a supportive and dynamic school environment! Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 517-646-7149, or mbensinger@rivervalleyschools.org.

Warm regards,

Mark Bensinger