SOUTH PORTLAND — Kimberlee Bennett, an assistant principal at South Portland High School, has been named the 2019 Assistant Principal of the Year for grades 9 through 12 by the Maine Principals’ Association.

The award was presented to Bennett during a school assembly Wednesday morning. She also will be honored at the association’s annual spring conference at the Samoset Resort in Rockport in April.

Kimberlee Bennett, an assistant principal at South Portland High School, has been named the 2019 Assistant Principal of the Year among Maine secondary schools for her "authentic, student-centered leadership." Photo courtesy South Portland School Department

During her seven years as an assistant principal, Bennett has demonstrated “authentic, student-centered leadership (that addresses) school issues in a positive, proactive manner (and ensures) that all students feel as though they belong at her school,” said Richard Durost, MPA executive director.

Bennett has a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Maine at Farmington and master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern Maine. She started her career as a special education teacher in Fryeburg for two years, then taught at Gorham Middle School for 12 years before taking the assistant principal position in South Portland.

The award recognizes Bennett as a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Kelley Bouchard can be contacted at 791-6328 or at:

kbouchard@pressherald.com

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