Lawrence Intermediate School Principal William Buss would replace Bernard Bricketto, who is retiring June 30 as the principal of Ben Franklin Elementary School.
By: Lea Kahn
Lawrence Intermediate School Principal William Buss was expected to be named the principal of the Ben Franklin Elementary School as The Ledger went to press Wednesday.
Mr. Buss would replace Bernard Bricketto, who is retiring June 30 as the principal of the grades K-3 school. There will be no change in Mr. Buss’ $111,612 annual salary, Superintendent Max Riley said.
Meanwhile, a nationwide search will be launched to find a successor for Mr. Buss’ current position. A committee of parents and staff will be formed to outline the special qualities that would be sought in a new principal for the grades 4-6 school, Dr. Riley said.
Mr. Buss was chosen from among three finalists for the Ben Franklin Elementary School principal’s job, Dr. Riley said. Twenty-two applicants, from both inside the school district and outside the district, sought the job, he said.
The finalists were interviewed by a committee of administrators and teachers, who ultimately recommended Mr. Buss, Dr. Riley said. The superintendent recommends the person he wants to fill the job, but the school board has the final say-so.
Mr. Buss is very excited about the early literacy program in the elementary schools, Dr. Riley said. Mr. Buss’ enthusiasm for it was a major factor in his being selected as the nominee for the job, the superintendent added.
Mr. Buss has worked in the Lawrence school system since September 1985, when he was appointed as the assistant principal at LIS. He was named the interim principal for the 1987-88 school year, and became the permanent principal July 1, 1988.