Justin Vernon
Head of School
Marlena Alfonso
Director of Curriculum
and Instruction
Victoria Crisp
Head of Student Services
Hai Son
Head of Operations
Brenda Pena
Head of Family and Community
Engagement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ryan Lovell, [email protected] 617.997.1337 Bentley Academy Board of Trustees Appoints New Head of School (Salem, MA – May 11, 2016) – The Board of Trustees for the Bentley Academy Charter School announced today the appointment of Marlena Afonso as the new Head of School. Afonso will replace Justin Vernon who has accepted a new position. Afonso is currently the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction for Bentley Academy and before that served as Head of Operations for the School. “We are proud of all that Bentley has achieved this past year as an in-­‐district charter school,” said Bentley Board of Trustees Chair Ryan Lovell. “Marlena Afonso has been instrumental to this progress. She has a true passion for creating learning environments that support academic achievement.” The Board of Trustees conducted a thorough selection process and unanimously selected Afonso based on her strong leadership skills, her track record of success in autonomous school settings, her relationship with the school’s faculty and students and her unwavering commitment to urban education. “I am excited to have the opportunity to lead Bentley,” said Afonso. “I look forward to working with all of the faculty and staff at Bentley and continuing to partner with Salem Public Schools to ensure that every student achieves.” Afonso received a Master’s degree from Arizona State and Harvard Graduate School of Education, and her Bachelor’s degree from Providence College. She is currently a Lynch Leadership Academy Fellow. ### 25 Memorial Drive, Salem, MA 01970 | P: 978-740-1260 | F: 978-825-3425
www.BentleyAcademy.org