During its Regular Board Meeting on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, the Cornwall-Lebanon School District (CLSD) Board of School Directors approved the administration’s recommendation of Kyle M. Bensing as the next principal of Union Canal Elementary School.

“Kyle Bensing is an outstanding educational leader whose experience, integrity, and commitment to students make him an excellent choice to lead Union Canal Elementary School,” said CLSD Superintendent Dr. Philip Domencic. “As a Cedar Crest High School (CCHS) graduate and former member of the CLSD Board of School Directors, he understands the values and traditions that make Cornwall-Lebanon a special community.”

Bensing is a 1991 graduate of CCHS and brings more than 25 years of experience in public education to CLSD. He has served as elementary assistant principal in Lebanon School District at Southeast Elementary School and Southwest Elementary School since August 2022. Bensing joined Lebanon School District in August 1999 as a chemistry teacher at Lebanon High School, where he also chaired the science department for 14 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Millersville University, a Master of Education from Universidad Del Turabo/Penn State University, and his principal certification from Drexel University.

“I’m truly excited to work with the Union Canal faculty that I have heard so many positive things about, including how they are committed to serving students,” said Bensing.

We are currently working with Mr. Bensing and Lebanon School District to finalize his official start date. Until he joins our team, Dr. David H. Helsel, a former CLSD administrator, will serve as interim principal to ensure a smooth start to the 2026-2027 school year. Helsel joined CLSD in 1997 as CCHS principal and was promoted to director of secondary education in 2013, serving in that role through 2016. Prior to retiring in 2025, Helsel served as superintendent of Blue Mountain School District in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. Since November 2025, Helsel has worked as a CLSD day-to-day substitute.

Bensing succeeds Dr. Bernard J. McGinty III, who accepted the position of director of pupil services within the District.