Two Bethlehem Central High School assistant principals will move to new leadership roles beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Jim Smith has been appointed K-12 supervisor of social studies and business education; Nicole Conway will move from her assistant principal role at the high school to the same position at the middle school.
Smith will replace longtime social studies and business department supervisor Nick Petraccione, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Conway will replace longtime BCMS assistant principal Mark Warford, who also announced he will be retiring.
Jim Smith named to districtwide instructional leadership position
At its Feb. 28 meeting, the Board of Education appointed Jim Smith to the position of K-12 social studies and business department supervisor, effective July 1, 2024. Smith has served as assistant principal at the high school since 2017.
A district employee for 20 years, Smith taught U.S. history, economics, and sociology at the high school before becoming assistant principal. Smith began his career in Bethlehem as a social studies teacher at the middle school. Before coming to Bethlehem, Smith was a social studies teacher at Christian Brothers Academy.
In his role as K-12 supervisor, Smith will oversee social studies curriculum, instruction, assessment, and program supervision in all grades. He will also oversee the business education department. Business classes are only offered at the high school.
“Preparing students to be engaged members of the community is a key component of our mission as a school district,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “Jim Smith understands that this preparation does not begin in high school; it must be nurtured from an early age. He is a respected leader who has demonstrated his commitment to student growth at the high school as a teacher and assistant principal. We are excited that he now will be an integral part of the instructional team and will be able to share his expertise and collaborative skills at a districtwide, foundational level as supervisor of social studies and business education.”
A Bethlehem native, Smith holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University, a master’s degree from the College of St. Rose, and an administrative certificate from St. Rose.
“I am excited to continue my career at BC as the K-12 social studies and business supervisor. I look forward to reconnecting with my social studies teaching roots while supporting teachers in the important work they do,” said Smith. “Together we will equip students with historical, cultural, and civic knowledge and skills that will enable them to become contributing members of society.”
Nicole Conway to move from high school to middle school
Nicole Conway, who has served as a high school assistant principal since 2017, will move to the middle school to serve as assistant principal.
In her role as assistant principal, Conway will assist the middle school administration in a variety of duties including leadership of schoolwide programs, building management, scheduling, and promoting high expectations and a positive school climate.
“Nicole Conway has been an integral member of the high school administrative team,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “I am excited that she will be continuing to bring the spirit of collaboration and student-centered leadership she has demonstrated so well at BCHS to the middle school.”
A BCHS graduate, Conway holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Boston College, and an administrative master’s degree from Endicott College. Before returning to Bethlehem, Conway was chair of the math department at Newton North High School. She began her career in education as a middle school math teacher.
“I have been so fortunate to work with exceptional students and staff at the high school who have made my job especially rewarding. They have made a huge impact on me and I hope they feel the same has been reciprocated,” said Assistant Principal Conway. “Middle school is such an important time for student growth, academically and emotionally. I look forward to being able to provide guidance and support for these students with the knowledge I have gained about the BC high school experience. The team at the middle school does a great job of preparing students for success in high school and I am excited to join their efforts.”