Bensley Tigers are GRRRReat! I am Dr. Patrice C. Wilson, your PROUD principal! It is with great honor and pride that I continue to serve you on this journey of continued academic excellence and leadership! With over 25 years of education experience, I am confident that we will take Bensley to the NEXT Level- TOGETHER!

As we continue to partner together for our students’ success, know that I am a confident, competent, and capable LEADER! I have strong ties to the Chesterfield community and continue to be passionate about the people and purpose of education within our community. I graduated from Meadowbrook High School of Chesterfield County Public schools and finished my undergraduate and graduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. I completed a B.A. in English and a Masters of Teaching degree in 1997, an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Virginia in 2004, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in educational leadership in 2014 from Virginia Commonwealth University. I began teaching right here in Chesterfield County in the Fall of 1997 at Grange Hall Elementary School and then at O.B. Gates Elementary school for a total of seven years. Both teaching experiences were wonderful and I was selected to be Teacher of the Year at O.B. Gates Elementary School in 2004. After teaching, I went on to serve as an Assistant Principal here at Bensley Elementary School from 2004-2008. Working alongside my mentor and phenomenal past principal, Mrs. Bessie Cooper. Bensley successfully prepared me to go on to be principal at Thelma Crenshaw and Harrowgate Elementary schools both still in Chesterfield County. I spent one year as the Assistant Principal of Swift Creek Middle school so, I’ve gained a pretty good picture of what we’re preparing our elementary babies for at the Middle school. Now, I’m proudly back home at Bensley Elementary School and I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience back with me.

My husband of twenty-five plus years, Stephen and I remain in Chesterfield County and are the proud parents of two college graduates who also attended Chesterfield County Public schools and have gone on to live their passions because of such a strong educational foundation and a belief that learning is living.

Bensley is Family! I look forward to many more memorable moments, successes, and growth in our Bensley family members– students, staff, community partners, and each one of YOU!

Greetings, Bensely Tigers! My name is Jessica Sarkees and I am thrilled to join the Bensley family as your assistant principal. It is my educational belief that all children are afforded the opportunities and experiences to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I look forward to working in partnership and collaboration with each of you here at Bensley!

I received my Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and English literature and my Master’s of Education in literacy from Elmira College in Elmira, New York. I also attended Longwood University’s educational leadership program for my administration and supervision endorsement.

Prior to joining the Bensley family, I worked for 11 years in Richmond Public Schools. I spent 9 years at Ginter Park Elementary, serving in the role as a 3rd and 5th grade classroom teacher, Title I reading specialist, and literacy coach. I also worked for 2 years in central office as an intervention specialist for elementary reading. Prior to moving to Virginia, I worked as a teacher in a school division in upstate New York.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time at the beach, being with family and friends, and reading a good mystery book. I am an avid football fan, especially watching the New England Patriots. I grew up in Vermont and will always be a New Englander at heart!

If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. I can be reached by email at jessica_sarkees@ccpsnet.net or by phone at 804-743-3610. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year!

Let’s go, Tigers!  My name is Sean Smith, and I am so proud and honored to serve as Bensley’s very first Dean of Students!  In this opportunity, I cannot wait to share my passion and support for enriching the lives of every member of our school community.

Recently, I completed my Master’s of Education in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University.  However, the 2024-2025 school year will be my twenty-second year in education.  Prior to joining Bensley, I served the last seventeen years as a special education teacher within Chesterfield County at O.B. Gates Elementary, Ettrick Elementary, and most recent, at Midlothian Middle where I served the last ten years teaching and coaching both Track and Field and Cross Country teams.  Both coaching and teaching have awarded me opportunities to promote leadership, build confidence through strong relationships, and empower others to grow and succeed as life-long learners in the classroom and beyond.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and attending their sporting events (often gymnastics and football). In addition, I enjoy running marathons, most recent being the Boston Marathon in 2022.

Once again, I cannot wait to serve and support our wonderful Bensley family and community to help reach new heights, together!