Steve Benoit
Steve Benoit has been promoted to the school’s Director of Studies position, replacing Steve Buteux. As Director of Studies, Steve oversees the academic program, working with teachers, department heads, students and parents as they navigate the course selection process. He makes sure students are making good academic choices so they are challenged here at Solebury and are ultimately prepared for college. Steve began his career at Solebury School in 1998 as a French teacher and since then has taken on much more responsibility in addition to teaching four French classes each trimester. Steve became the Head of the Foreign Language department in 2001, and has chaired the Academic Committee since 2002. For the past seven years, Steve has been the school’s Diversity Coordinator, helping support groups and programs that celebrate the diversity at Solebury. He has been the Director of Student Advising since 2008. Before coming to Solebury, Steve taught French at Saint David’s School in Raleigh, North Carolina. Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Language, with a minor in Communications from Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Arts degree in French Literature from the University of Texas at Austin. Steve lives in Northern New Jersey with his partner, Mike Houston. Mike is the Head of Foreign Language at the MontclairKimberley Academy. ❖
Jennifer Burns
Jennifer Burns has joined Solebury as the Director of Advancement, replacing Peter Pearson, who retired in June, 2012. As Director of Advancement, Jenn focuses on advancing the school’s mission by developing revenue streams in addition to tuition, primarily through fundraising. Working closely with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees, Jenn develops and implements plans that meet the school’s financial objectives and sustains positive relationships with the various constituencies critical to a thriving independent school. Jenn brings nearly 20 years of non-profit experience to Solebury School. Her career has been focused on people, involved with education, the environment, cultural relations as well as the American political process. For more than 15 years, she has focused on developing revenue for important organizations, working closely with individuals, corporations and foundations to make a lasting impact through philanthropy. “One of my favorite things to do is to find that synergy between a really great idea that will allow an organization to leap forward and identifying the resources it needs to blossom,” said Jenn. “I’m thrilled to work with such passionate friends and families here at Solebury.” Jenn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA in Political Science. She and her three children, Jason (11), Brian (8) and Maggie (6), moved back “home” to Yardley, PA after recently spending more than 10 years in Wilmington, Delaware. ❖ www.solebury.org