Schenck was born in Somerville, New Jersey, and moved to the state of Florida in 1980, where he attended Central High School.

Following graduation, Schenck returned to Central High School, where he taught social studies before running for the Hernando County Commission in 2002, defeating incumbent Commissioner Chris Kinglsey.

When incumbent State Representative Dave Russell was unable to seek another term in the legislature in 2006, Schenck ran to succeed him and resigned his position as County Commissioner.

Claytor, who was forty years older than Schenck, attacked him for his youth and inexperience, noting that, "It isn't just the age disparity.

As his fourth term drew to a close, Schenck, though he was mentioned as a potential candidate to replace retiring County Commissioner Dave Russell, exited elected politics.