Andrew Smith Appointed LBHS Vice Principal

Submitted by Long Beach School District

The Long Beach School District is pleased to announce the appointment of longtime staff member Dr. Andrew Smith as Vice Principal at the high school.

Dr. Smith has been a social studies teacher at the high school for 13 years and summer school principal for 10 years. Since 2010, Dr. Smith has served as Coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Long Beach High School. His new position became effective in August 2014, prior to the opening of school.

Dr. Smith was instrumental in bringing the IB Diploma Program to the high school and is currently overseeing a total of 144 eleventh- and twelfth-grade full IB Diploma candidates.

Under his leadership 74 Long Beach High Schools graduates have received IB Diplomas, with more than 670 students having taken individual IB courses and exams for potential college credit. Student involvement in the IB Diploma Program has led the high school to achieve an impressive placement on the Washington Post’s list of America’s Most Challenging High Schools based on the percentage of students participating in a demanding college preparatory curriculum.

Prior to coming to Long Beach, Dr. Smith taught at Lehman High School in the Bronx. He also has career background in the finance industry. Dr. Smith holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, a Master’s Degree in Political Science, and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration, all from St. John’s University.

In addition to his administrative and classroom responsibilities Dr. Smith has assisted in coaching the surf team. An avid athlete, he enjoys running and surfing and competes regularly in triathlons and running events. He has won a number of races and ran the New York City Marathon several times.