The sun was shining down on high school seniors this weekend as Vineyarders graduated from the regional high school, Charter School, and Falmouth Academy. It’s always an exciting time for families as young adults take the next, big step in their lives, whether that means jumping into the workforce, going to college, traveling to see the world, or learning a trade.
Amid the ceremony and celebration of the graduating seniors, it is worth noting that they are not the only ones who will officially move on. School administrators will also be leaving their posts next fall, including the principal of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) and the director of the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School. And at the helm of the Island’s public school system is Richie Smith, who is retiring as superintendent.
We don’t have any official diplomas to offer or any fancy scholarships to award, but we do feel a commendation is in order for an educator who served Island families for many years. Superintendent Richie Smith was promoted to his current post in 2022, but he’s been with the Island school system as an educator for over two decades, including as assistant superintendent and as principal in the Tisbury School and Oak Bluffs School.
During his time at the top of the school administrative system, Smith has consistently advocated for the well-being of Island students, from making school a space children can feel safe to pushing for better educational standards. Notably, Smith applauded the student walkout in May in solidarity with a Brazilian immigrant who was a sophomore at MVRHS and had been arrested by ICE while out fishing with his father. He had challenges to meet as superintendent: dealing with threats to the high school budget over a potential synthetic playing field, assuring the school community of their children’s safety after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained 20 people last May. Perhaps Smith’s most lasting legacy may be guiding the Island to the final stretch to approval for funding of over $330 million to renovate and construct a new high school campus for future generations.