Leadership at DeLaSalle comes in many forms – from the teachers who instruct students in their classrooms, to the coaches and moderators who prepare their athletes for competition, to the administrators who oversee day-to-day operations of the school.

Administratively, DeLaSalle operates under a President-Principal model. The President, similar to the chief executive officer of a corporation, oversees external operations of the school and is responsible for fundraising and hiring of non-teaching staff. The Principal, similar to the chief operating officer of a corporation, is responsible for day-to-day operations, including hiring academic staff and overseeing development of the school’s curriculum.

Meet the President and Principal

Dr. Bryan Bass became the president of DeLaSalle on July 1, 2020. He is the 32nd chief administrator and only fourth lay administrator in the school’s history.

Dr. Bass most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Edina Public Schools. He began his career as a social studies instructor in Minneapolis schools. Subsequently, as Principal, he led both secondary and elementary schools in Brooklyn Center, Woodbury, and St. Paul. In addition, he has taught at Concordia University. 

Dr. Bass holds a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) focused on Educational Administration and Leadership from St. Cloud State University, an Educational Specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas, a Master’s degree from St. Mary’s University, and a Bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College. 

He is married with two children.

James Benson, a New York native, grew up in Rockaway Beach, NY and moved to Brooklyn Park, MN with his family in 2005. He earned undergraduate and advanced degrees from the State University of New York, College at New Paltz and St. John’s University in Queens, NY respectively.

Benson taught English at DeLaSalle from 2005-2008 and served as the Vice Principal for Academic and Student Life from 2008 until his appointment as Principal in 2012. Benson has also provided leadership to the Men’s Association of Competitive Readers, Student Council, and announcing DeLaSalle home football games.

Before transitioning to DeLaSalle, Benson served as Freshman Dean, English Teacher, and Head Baseball Coach at St. John’s Prep in Queens, NY from 1992-1999. From 1999 to 2005, Benson was the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at St. Edmund Prep in Brooklyn, NY.

Benson resides in Brooklyn Park with his wife, Pam and four children, including triplets Jack, Megan and Matt and son James. Benson and his wife are active members of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish where he has also served on a leadership team. Benson continues to share his love of baseball as he volunteers his extra time as a coach with the Brooklyn Park Baseball Association.
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