Peninsula High School is getting a new principal with a familiar face. Here are his plans
Peninsula High School has a new principal with a familiar face.
The district announced Mike Benoit, 59, as principal of the high school Aug. 3. in a press release.
Prior to his new role, Benoit was the principal at Harbor Ridge Middle School.
“I am excited and looking forward to a positive launch to the new school year,” Benoit told The Gateway. The first day of school is Aug. 31.
He will be filling the role of former Peninsula High School Principal Joe Potts, who took a position with the Bellevue School District Aug 1.
“I know with his compassionate leadership and experience in education, Mr. Benoit will be an amazing principal for the PHS community and that we will have a great school year,” Assistant Superintendent Dan Gregory said in the press release,
Benoit started his education career over 30 years ago as a teacher in Federal Way School District. In 2004 he came over to Gig Harbor, as the principal of Vaughn Elementary. He was there for six years until becoming the principal at Harbor Ridge Middle School for over a decade.
One of the big differences going from a middle school to a high school is the additional opportunities there are for students, he told The Gateway.
“Whether it’s clubs, sports or activities, there are so many ways students can get involved in the school,” Benoit said.
His immediate plans are to get to know the staff and school traditions. His first day with the staff is next Tuesday.
“I will be asking them what things they think we need to work on and give us an idea of how we’re gonna run our building for the year,” Benoit said.
Benoit said he wants to make sure the high school is a safe and welcoming place that sets high expectations for academic achievement and behavior.
He graduated from Washington State University and received his master’s degree from Gonzaga University. He said he’d always enjoyed working with kids and decided to pursue a career in education.
PSD filled Benoit’s former position at Harbor Ridge Middle School this month. Brian Wickens, who has served as the assistant principal there since 2004, is taking over.
This story was originally published August 14, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
