RBR's Vice Principal Steps Over to Raritan High

Assistant Principal William Smith, who has spent the last 10 years in various roles at the high school, is leaving the position this month to serve as the new principal of Raritan High School.

Smith will assume the leadership role at Raritan on Aug. 20, according to a release from the Hazlet School District.

"Obviously, we have mixed emotions about Mr. Smith’s departure," said RBR Superintendent Jim Stefankiewicz. "While we are very happy for him, we are sorry to see him leave us."

RBR Principal Risa Clay told Patch via e-mail, "We will certainly miss Will. He is a wonderful teacher and contributed so much to the fabric of RBR and was so much fun to work with."

Over the course of his tenure at RBR, Smith taught English and served in several administrative capacities, including assistant principal and supervisor of English, media services, social studies, and ELL.  Mr. Smith is also an adjunct instructor in the School of Education at Monmouth University.

"Over the past decade, Will has had a big impact on teaching and learning at RBR," said Stefankiewicz. "He worked tirelessly to ensure that all students received the highest level of instruction."

Born and raised in New Jersey, Smith earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English from Bucknell University and his Master’s Degree in English Literature from Drew University. 

Smith taught English and coached soccer and baseball for nine years at Point Pleasant Beach High School before heading to Red Bank Regional High School.

"Mr. Smith was the best, he made the school fantastic," said recent RBR grad Annie Walsack, when she heard the news of his pending departure.

Clay said, "He is definitely ready to take this next step. The students and staff at Raritan are lucky to have this opportunity to work with Will. We wish him much happiness and success."

Stefankiewicz added, "Will is ready for this move to principal. We wish him all the best."