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School committee approves one-year dean-of-students template to replace assistant principal role
Summary
After discussing funding, staffing impacts and union support, the Smithfield School Committee approved a one-year dean-of-students template to replace the assistant principal position through June 2026, allowing an internal teacher to assume administrative duties with a $2,000 stipend.
The Smithfield School Committee voted to approve a one-year dean-of-students template that will replace the assistant principal position at Smithfield High School through June 2026.
Committee members debated whether the new post would add cost or simply reassign existing roles. The superintendent said the dean position would be a teacher who takes on administrative duties “at the salary scale plus $2,000 stipent,” and that implementing it this year could be cost-neutral if it replaces an assistant principal vacancy. A committee member pressed for clarification on funding and the role’s time frame, urging that the motion be contingent on it being a straight one-for-one replacement for this year.
The amended motion — to approve the dean-of-students template for a one-year temporary contract through June 2026 in replacement of the assistant principal position — was seconded and approved by the committee. The superintendent and other administrators explained the benefits as promoting from within and preserving teacher positions, and noted prior union support for a similar arrangement.
Committee members also expressed concern that a one-year temporary post can be difficult to sustain long term without a predictable funding source. The superintendent said that if the assistant principal interviews yield a hire, the district would not proceed with filling the dean role; if interviews do not result in a candidate, the dean template could be used instead. The vote followed an exchange focused on whether the district could absorb the change without adding overall headcount or ongoing cost.
The committee’s approval establishes a temporary staffing option for the high school; next steps include posting the position if necessary and coordinating any replacement teacher hiring that may result from internal promotion.
The committee approved the amendment at the meeting; the superintendent said further details on posting and funding will follow if the position is activated.
