At its August 9 meeting, the Board of Education appointed longtime Bethlehem teacher James Smith as hall principal at Bethlehem Central High School. Smith is a familiar face at the high school where he has taught U.S. History, Economics and Sociology since 2011. Before that, he taught social studies at the middle school for seven years. Smith joins a high school leadership team which includes Principal Dave Doemel, Assistant Principal Heather Culnan, and Hall Principal Nicole Conway.
The hall principals assist in the supervision of student behavior and discipline and the leadership of school-wide programs. Additionally, they help to maintain high expectations and positive school climate. Smith will work primarily with grade 12 students in his new role.
“We are pleased to have Mr. Smith join our administrative team,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “He is respected by colleagues and students alike. During his time teaching at the high school, he has developed a proven rapport with students and is uniquely qualified to work closely with our seniors as they prepare to transition to college and careers.”
Mr. Smith also served as the assistant varsity football coach at the high school, a role he held for 10 years.
“I am very excited that I get to continue to work in a place that I enjoy coming to every day,” said Smith. “Not only does Bethlehem have phenomenal students, our faculty and staff are wonderfully supportive of one another. Along the way, they have helped me grow into a better teacher and I believe have prepared me to work with students in this new and challenging way as part of the high school’s leadership team.”
A Bethlehem native, Smith holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and a master’s degree from the College of St. Rose. He and his wife, Emily, reside in Delmar with their children Liam and Claire.