A Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Board of Education member for nearly 35 years, Dr. Robert H. Bende Jr., informally known as “Skip,” has retired as the Board’s Tabernacle representative. His formal resignation was approved by the LRHSD Board of Education during its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
“Skip is the epitome of a humble public servant and supporter of the Lenape Regional High School District,” said LRHSD Board member David Stow. “He is a fellow graduate of Lenape High School who has been genuinely committed to creating one of the greatest school districts in the state through the time, wisdom and consistent positive influence he has provided as a Board member. He and I have worked closely over my own long tenure on the Board, developing a bond through our efforts, especially during challenging times, to maintain the high level of achievement that our Lenape District is known for. I am going to deeply miss Skip as part of this Board.”
Stow added that he is not surprised by his longtime colleague and friend wishing to retire quietly to avoid public acknowledgment. “He wouldn’t want a big deal made; that’s Skip,” he said. An alumnus of the Lenape High School Class of 1969, Dr. Bende returned to LRHSD in April of 1992 as a Board member representing Tabernacle. Over nearly 35 years of service, he was vice president from 1993 to 1995 and president from 1995 to 1997 and served as the Negotiations Chair every year up until his retirement.
“I enjoyed and took great pride in serving as Negotiations Chair to ensure an amicable and respectful relationship between our teachers and our Board,” said Bende. “That helped us reach agreements, year after year, to benefit the entire district.”
Dr. Bende served on the Board during the opening of Seneca High School and several additions and building projects at Lenape, Shawnee and Cherokee high schools. He was especially influential in seeing Seneca come to fruition to welcome students in his hometown. His history on the Board also involved working alongside many district leaders, beginning with the late K. “Kiki” Konstantinos, who served as LRHSD superintendent for more than 30 years, through to current LRHSD Superintendent Matthew Webb.
“The district is so fortunate to have superintendents who love this district; much like the Board members, many live here or even went to school here,” said Bende. “That means their passion for their role and their commitment to continuous learning help move our district forward and make it special. I have remained engaged largely because of them and what we have been able to accomplish together.”
Dr. Bende said his retirement was prompted by a combination of wanting to slow down a bit and make way for a new member to contribute fresh ideas and energy. An equine veterinarian, Dr. Bende noted his profession still requires him to make some unexpected night and weekend visits.
“The Bende family has a legacy of giving back to our community, and Skip played a significant role in building that legacy,” said LRHSD Board President Sam Green. “We are fortunate to have had him as a true champion of our schools as a Board member for nearly 35 years. He always put our students and our teachers first, which was evident in how he approached every negotiation, Board meeting and community conversation. He was elected to serve them, never himself, and the way he quietly retired is further proof of that priority. As a district, however, we cannot let him go without expressing our gratitude for his service. Thank you, Skip.”
Following his graduation from Lenape in 1969, Dr. Bende attended Ohio State University for undergraduate degrees and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. His final year at Ohio State, he earned recognition as the “Equine Student of the Year.” Dr. Bende went on to open his own practice and provide veterinary care to community horse owners. He recently sold that practice but continues working as a veterinarian. He was inducted into the Lenape High School Hall of Fame in 2012. Dr. Bende resides in Tabernacle with his wife, Phyllis, and is a proud father of five adult children, daughters Amy, Grace, Kate and sons Chip and Chad.
