Administration
Principal
Ms. Shandyn Benson
Ms. Benson has been an educator in St. Paul Public Schools for 23 years and in that time has had many roles. She taught social studies in alternative education and at Harding High School. She was the IB MYP coordinator at Harding and later became a TOSA in the Office of Teaching and Learning. The last two years she was an assistant principal at Washington Technology.
Ms. Benson received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth in Social Studies Education as well as a Certificate in Technology. She also earned a Certificate in Urban Education from Hamline University. Later she went on to receive her Masters in Educational Leadership, K-12 Principal License, and Educational Specialist degree from Saint Mary’s University, Twin Cities.
When Ms. Benson is not working, she is spending time on a softball field, basketball court, or soccer field with her two girls. She is also a runner and is usually training for her next marathon. This helps her keep a healthy balance of work and home life.
Assistant Principal
Mr. Byron Carter
Mr. Carter has dedicated 18 years to the Saint Paul Public School District. He began his career as a Teacher Assistant, progressing to an Educational Assistant, and eventually became an Special Education EBD/LD Federal Setting III Teacher. After teaching for 11 years, Mr. Carter pursued his Assistant Principal license. He is proud to serve as an Assistant Principal at Gordon Park High School, a role he holds with great honor and responsibility.
He completed his undergraduate studies at Metro State University, earning a degree in Liberal Arts. Mr. Carter furthered his education by obtaining a Master's in Special Education Teaching from Saint Mary's University. His commitment to leadership led him to pursue a second Master's degree in Leadership from Concordia University, which prepared him for his role as an Assistant Principal.
Mr. Carter lives in Brooklyn Park with his wife, Shamra, and their sons, Elijah (16) and Elliott (7). In his spare time, he enjoys practicing sports with his sons and cheering them on at football, basketball, and baseball games. He even coaches Elliott's flag football team. When he's not spending time with his family, Mr. Carter enjoys watching the Chicago Bears, his favorite football team.