HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Harrisburg schools needed a Superintendent, and they’ve got one.

Dr. Benjamin Henry was officially appointed by school board members as Superintendent of the Harrisburg school district Tuesday night.

The search for a new Superintendent began when Eric Turman resigned to run Central Dauphin schools.

“So, we began that application process in June,” said Dr. Lori Suski, Court Appointed Receiver within the Harrisburg School District. “It ended around July 8th.”

Suski says there were 21 applicants from across the country.

“We selected Dr. Benjamin Henry, and Dr. Henry is currently serving as a Regional Assistant Superintendent in Polk County, Florida. He has been in that role for the last four years,” Suski added. “He also has prior principal and teacher experience.”

Dr. Henry accepted his new role as Superintendent over zoom.

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“I’m excited about this opportunity,” said Dr. Benjamin Henry, the new Superintendent of the Harrisburg School District. “The students are ready for us to do this great work, and I am ready to lead, and I cannot wait for the first day when I get there and start walking classes, meeting teachers, meeting parents, and most importantly, meeting the kids. Again, and to the board, thank you.”

Suski says she believes Henry will add a lot to the Harrisburg school district, “I think for me as the receiver, this is the last year of the three-year cycle of receivership. So, I was really looking for a leader with experience that was going to be able to come in and hold people accountable to the 62 initiatives and the four academic goals of the amended recovery plan. I believe that he has the skill set to be able to get us there. I also like the fact that he’s a graduate of the urban superintendent’s academy through the American Association of School Administrators, and that he has urban experience.”

Students will be back to class September third; Henry begins his 4-year term November first.

“We look forward to welcoming him,” said Suski.

Until then, the acting superintendent will stay on the job.

Suski tells abc27 News, the school board was a major participant in the selection process.

Tuesday’s vote was unanimous.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.