At its May 20 meeting, the Bethlehem Central Board of Education is expected to appoint Matthew Urban as the next principal of Bethlehem Central High School.
Urban’s anticipated start date as principal is July 1. He brings more than 23 years of educational experience and a deep connection to the Bethlehem community.
For Mr. Urban, this appointment marks a return home. He comes to Bethlehem after serving for the past two years as principal of Scott M. Ellis Elementary School in the Greenville Central School District. Prior to that, he spent nine years in the Bethlehem schools, including two years as a special education teacher and seven years at Eagle Elementary School, where he was both a special education and a fourth- and fifth-grade classroom teacher.
“We are excited to welcome Matt Urban back to BC in the role of high school principal,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “Throughout the interview process and in his career, Matt has demonstrated a strong commitment to the district’s core values of academics, character, community and wellness. He is well known and well-respected by his professsional peers at Eagle and by families.
“News of his appointment will especially be welcomed by the students he taught at Eagle, who will soon see their former teacher in the halls of their high school,” said Superintendent Monroe.
Outside of his professional roles, Urban’s connection to BC runs deep. He and his wife, Katie — a proud Bethlehem graduate — have three sons currently attending BC schools.
As he looks ahead to leading the high school, Urban said his top priority will be building relationships that lead to student success, community-mindedness and social-emotional growth.
“The people,” said Urban, when asked what excites him most about returning. “Reconnecting with the faculty, staff and students after being away for a few years. I have had outstanding school leaders as mentors in Bethlehem and in Greenville, and I hope to be able to take what they’ve given me and pay it forward as part of an outstanding BCHS community.”
Urban holds a bachelor’s degree from Providence College, a master’s degree in education from Boston College, and a school building leadership certificate from The College of St. Rose.