Smithtown Board of Education Appoints New Interim Superintendent

SMITHTOWN, NY - The Smithtown Board of Education appointed veteran educator Russell J. Stewart as interim superintendent on Tuesday.

Stewart will begin as interim superintendent effective July 3.

He joins Smithtown from the Center Moriches Union Free School District, where he currently serves as superintendent of schools.

"Mr. Stewart is a highly respected administrator who brings with him the professional experience, educational knowledge and interpersonal communication skills the Board requires to effectively lead our school district during this transition period," Smithtown Board of Education President Jeremy Thode said.

During his nine years as superintendent of Center Moriches, Stewart successfully oversaw the introduction and expansion of a number of programs, including the implementation of a districtwide International Baccalaureate endeavor, creation of a community service involvement program for high school students and expansion of a comprehensive K-12 8:1:1 program.

He was also responsible for the enhancement of school safety through various efforts, such as increased security protocols and the promotion of a positive school culture and social-emotional wellness programs.

In addition, he oversaw the successful completion of a comprehensive capital improvement project.

"I thank the Board for this opportunity and am excited to work with them and confirm my commitment to the students of Smithtown," Stewart said. "I also look forward to collaborating with the community, students, staff and my central office colleagues to create a unified vision and further enhance the educational opportunities for all students."

As part of his more than 30 years of educational experience, Stewart has served as principal, assistant principal, dean of discipline and chairperson for health, physical education and interscholastic athletics at Commack High School.

He was also an assistant principal and principal at Western Suffolk BOCES Consortium.

Stewart spent his first 10 years in education as a health and physical education teacher.

A resident of Manorville, Stewart holds a Bachelor of Arts in health and physical education from the University of Sioux Falls and a Master of Arts in school administration and supervision from New York University.

The board is actively continuing its search for a permanent superintendent of schools and will keep the community updated.

Congratulations to Russell Stewart!