Bensalem School Board President Deborak King said directors will work to stabilize the district, which faces a “severe financial crisis.”
Mar 16, 2026 12:10 pm EDT
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — The Democratic-controlled Bensalem Township School Board has issued a statement in regards to the resignation last week of Schools Superintendent Samuel Lee.
School Board President Deborah King, on behalf of the school directors, thanked Lee for his service to the school district and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Lee — one of the longest-serving superintendents in Bucks County and Pennsylvania — was given the extension by the then Republican-controlled school board.
No reason was given by Lee for his resignation, which goes into effect on March 31.
King said that an interim schools superintendent will be appointed to ensure continuity and stability for schools, and guide the school district during the transition.
“Our priority is to ensure that our students, staff, and families continue to receive the support and leadership they deserve,” King said. “We recognize that this transition is occurring at a time when the district is also facing significant financial challenges.
Lee’s resignation comes at a time when the school district is facing a “severe financial crisis” of a $12 million deficit with an Act 1 4.2 percent tax increase, and $16 million without a tax hike for the 2026-2027 school budget.
After reports that the school district has a “severe financial situation,” school directors explained what that crisis is and what impact it might have on the next school budget.
“The Board takes this responsibility very seriously,” King said. “We are committed to making thoughtful, responsible decisions that will stabilize the district financially while protecting the quality of education for our students,” King said in a statement to Patch.
Lee had sent an email earlier this year to the Bensalem school community stating that the district is facing “a significant budget shortfall” driven largely by rising special education costs and charter school funding obligations, expenses that are mandated and largely outside of our local control.
“We want to be very clear about one thing: Our focus remains on the students of Bensalem Township School District,” King said. “Every decision we make is guided by what is best for our students, our teachers, and our community. We will continue working collaboratively with administration, staff, and the community as we move forward together to ensure a strong and stable future for our district. We appreciate the patience, understanding, and support of our community during this time.”