MANCHESTER, NH – Four new principal positions have been announced for the Manchester School District, effective July 1, 2026.
Bryan Watson will take over as new principal at Bakersville Elementary as approved June 8, 2026 by the Board of School Committee. Shaun St. Onge will serve as the new principal at Smyth Road School, as approved May 26 by the school board. Kate DiBenedetto will step up as the new principal at Northwest Elementary, following the retirement after 35 years with the district of Shelly Larochelle. And Sarah Muncey will lead Gossler Park as principal, as approved at the June 8 school board meeting.
Bryan Watson has served as the assistant principal at Bakersville for the last seven years. His deep understanding of the school, its students, families and the Manchester School District, combined with his proven leadership experience, uniquely positions him to lead the school’s continued growth and success.
“We are thrilled that the next principal at Bakersville is someone who knows and loves the school so much,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Chmiel. “Bryan has a strong commitment to Manchester and Bakersville’s mission. I am confident the school community will be in good hands under his leadership.”
Watson will succeed current longtime principal Kate DiBenedetto, who will be the principal at Northwest Elementary.
“Bakersville has always been a community that believes in its kids. As the next principal, my commitment is to honor that belief every day by building on our strengths, listening to our teachers and families, and making sure every student feels seen, challenged, and supported. ”
Shaun St. Onge is the current principal at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook, but is no stranger to Manchester, previously serving as principal at Memorial from 2020 to 2025 as well as a special education teacher at Parkside from 2005 to 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Anselm College and a Masters of Science, Education Leadership from the University of New England.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shaun St. Onge back to Manchester,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Chmiel. “Shaun’s experience in special education will be critical as we look to improve our vertically aligned systems to improve student outcomes. He brings a student-first focus and fresh excitement of working on the elementary level.”
St. Onge will succeed current longtime principal Jennfier Briggs, who is retiring at the end of this school year.
“I am honored to serve the Smyth Road Elementary School community. Smyth Road is a great school with great families and there is a lot of positive work taking place in the Manchester School District,” said St. Onge. “I know there are big shoes to fill here and I will build on the great work that has been done to make Smyth Road a special place for all learners.”
Kate DiBenedetto has served as the principal at Bakersville Elementary for the past 10 years, helping countless Manchester students start their school careers on a successful and positive note.
“Kate has been such an asset to the Bakersville community for so many years, we are excited that her leadership and student-centered focus will benefit the Northwest community,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Chmiel.
“It is bittersweet leaving behind the wonderful school community I have led for the last ten years, but I am confident I leave it in good hands,” said DiBenedetto. “I am excited for a new challenge at Northwest and to develop positive relationships within a new school community, in the hope of leaving it better than I found it.”
Sarah Muncey brings over a decade of educational leadership experience at both the school and district levels, including four years as principal at Chester Academy in Chester, NH. She is a student-centered leader with a strong commitment to academic excellence, positive school culture, and collaborative partnerships with staff, families, and the community.
“Sarah’s experience in instructional leadership, data-informed decision-making, and fostering inclusive learning environments makes her exceptionally well-qualified to lead Gossler Park Elementary School,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Chmiel. “We are so excited to see the positive impact her leadership will have on the Gossler community.”
Muncey will succeed current longtime principal Lori Upham, who is retiring after 33 years with the Manchester School District.
“I am honored and thrilled to be joining the Gossler Park community as its next principal, and I look forward to meeting everyone and building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners,” Muncey said. “ I am deeply committed to serving school communities where we work together to ensure all students feel safe, seen, heard, and valued. I believe in fostering meaningful partnerships that provide students with the strongest possible foundation for their futures.”