Meet the Principals

Mr. Richard Bonkowski
rbonkowski@pennsauken.net

I have been privileged to serve over 25 years as an educator in the Pennsauken School District. During my time in the district, I worked with students as a Social Studies teacher at Pennsauken High School, an Assistant Principal at both Phifer Middle School and Pennsauken High School, and for two years I was Principal of Pennsauken Intermediate School. 

I know the success of a school is dependent upon the hard work, dedication, and partnership that exist between school staff, parents, community members, and most importantly, the students. As I begin my 6th year as Principal of PHS, I am most appreciative of the opportunity to continue this partnership.

Please feel free to contact my office by telephone (856) 662-8500 extension 5244 or email rbonkowski@pennsauken.net at anytime.  

Dr. Casey Crass
casey.crass@pennsauken.net

My name is Dr. Crass and I am honored to serve as Vice Principal for the Class of 2025 and the Mathematics department. Throughout my career, I proudly lead through a focus on diverse and inclusive education and am driven by a desire to create a safe space for all students to learn. I come from a family of educators, and I am incredibly education-focused and education-centered. Before joining the Pennsauken team, I served as a mathematics teacher, a consultant specializing in curriculum development and professional development, and a Clinical Professor of Teacher Education at Temple University.

Education is not simply a career for me, but an integral part of my life. I have a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in K-12 schooling from Temple University, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Master’s degree in Criminal Justice (M.A.) both from Temple University, a Master’s degree in Administration (M.Ed.) from Loyola University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.S.) from Towson University.

I am proud to be part of the Pennsauken family and I love working with the incredible students and staff in our school community

Mr. Gregory Munford
greg.munford@pennsauken.net

I am a lifelong learner and have been honored to serve as an educator for more than twenty-six years.  I hold a Bachelors of English degree from Seton Hall University and a Masters Degree in Supervision and Administration from Saint Peter's University.  I began my teaching career as a teacher of English.  After fifteen years in the classroom, I made the transition from classroom instructor to administrator.

I joined the Pennsauken Public School system as an assistant principal in 2014.  Since then my role has changed several times, serving in various capacities at Pennsauken High School, the Alternative High School, Burling High School and back to Pennsauken High.  

Currently I am the assistant principal of the class of twenty-six and the supervisor of the English and World Language Departments.  I believe that all students desire to learn and that it is our job to assist them in reaching their academic and life goals.  To that end, I welcome the opportunity to work with all stakeholders to provide the educational environment that will motivate students to reach their fullest potential.

Mr. Alexander Veston
alexander.veston@pennsauken.net

Alex Veston has been a proud member of the Pennsauken School District for over a decade, following in the footsteps of his late grandfather, Kurt Klaus, who was a long-time educator in the district. During his tenure, Mr. Veston taught Art as part of the district’s specialty curriculum across grades K-12 before his appointment to Assistant Principal at Pennsauken Intermediate School in 2021-2023. Mr. Veston holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from Stockton College and master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University.

Beyond his work as an educator and administrator, Mr. Veston served as the Pennsauken High School freshman boys basketball coach and girls/boys volleyball coach, as well as Athletic Dean and Attendance/Discipline Dean from 2017 -2021.

Mr. Veston believes that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. As an administrator, it is his goal to create this type of atmosphere where students can be actively engaged in their own learning to meet their full potential. Mr. Veston is looking forward to working with the community, faculty, staff, students, and their families to shape the future for each student in which they feel confident, knowledgeable, and prepared to be a contributing member of society.
 

Mrs. Dominique Upsey
dominique.upsey@pennsauken.net

I am an ecstatic school leader at Pennsauken High School. Currently, I serve as the Vice Principal for the Class of 2028 as well as the Supervisor of Science.  As a child and budding teenager, my career goal was to become a Forensic Pathologist with a focus on death scene analytics & toxicology; I did spend time as an Death Scene Investigator, however,my passion has forever retreated to children.

Collectively, I have amassed over 23 years in various education arenas.  From early childhood to post-secondary education, I have served as a Work Study Teacher’s Aide, Preschool Teacher’s Assistant & Head Teacher, Long-Term [Science & Computer Science] Substitute Teacher, Biological & Physical Science Facilitator, Adjunct Professor & Master Tutor.  

I am a career student possessing a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a Chemistry minor (Howard “Thee Mecca” University),  a Master of Science in Forensic Medicine (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine) , a Master of Education in Secondary Education 7-12 & Special Education (Wilmington University), and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in School Leadership (Rowan University).  Fall 2025, I will commence the Doctorate in Organizational Leadership in Learning, Leadership & Innovation at Wilmington University.

Most importantly, I am a proud alumna of Howard M. Phifer Middle School & Pennsauken High School. I returned ‘home’ to increase confidence in Pennsauken students, remind them that Pennsauken was, is, and will always produce greatness.  As an avid, fruitful product of Pennsauken Schools, it radiates, in pure undulating faith, that all things are possible, someone believes in you and your success is not contingent upon yourself.

Pennsauken PRIDE forever.