MANCHESTER, N.H.- Manchester School District is pleased to announce the placement of new principals at four Manchester elementary schools. All principals will begin their new roles effective July 1, 2026.
Shaun St. Onge- Smyth Road
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.
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.”
Sarah Muncey- Gossler Park
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.
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."
Bryan Watson- Bakersville
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.
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.”
Kate DiBenedetto- Northwest
DiBenedetto has served as the principal at Bakersville Elementary for the past ten years,
helping countless Manchester students start their school careers on a successful and positive
note.
She takes over for outgoing principal Shelly Larochelle, who is retiring after 35 years with the District.
“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.”
Congratulations to all of our new principals!