Thursday, October 1, 2026
Andrew Smith has spent over 20 years with the Long Beach School District. He’s been a teacher and an administrator, and next school year, he will be the newest principal of Long Beach High School.
Q: Where did you grow up, go to school?
Smith: I grew in Queens, but spent my summers in Long Beach. I went to St. John’s University for undergraduate and graduate work, ultimately attaining a Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration from St. John’s University.
Q: What other positions have you held at Long Beach High School?
Smith: I started teaching at Lehman High School in the Bronx. My first year teaching Social Studies at Long Beach was in 2001. I was summer school principal for 10 years from 2004-2014. I was IB Coordinator from 2010-2014 and I have been the Vice Principal since 2014. I also coach the Surf Team, which I hope to continue to do next year as principal.
Q: How did you get involved in the IB Program and what has that experience been like for you?
Smith: I was asked to be IB Coordinator in 2010 when we first brought the program to Long Beach. We started with 10 students and the program has grown to over 60 Diploma Candidates per year and over 500 exams being administered to students. IB has been instrumental in the high school. We have also expanded many other areas including AP, SUPA and many technical courses.
Q: How has acting as a vice principal prepared you for this new role?
Smith: As vice principal I have been involved in every aspect of the building and how it is run. I am lucky to have been mentored by Mr. Jeffrey Myers, who was a wonderful principal. As Vice Principal, we work in curriculum, student management, and building decisions so we are very involved daily with our teachers and students.
Q: What do you love about LBHS? What are some things you want to see in the future?
Smith: LBHS is an outstanding school — we have some many great teachers and talented students. The school offers so many opportunities for students and we want to continue to have courses and programs that get students excited about school, interested in courses and leave the high school with a purpose. New York State is revamping graduation requirements, and we have an opportunity to shape our curriculum and school to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Q: What do you want readers and community members to know about you?
Smith: I am so grateful to be in position to lead the high school. Long Beach is very special place, and I am proud to a part such a wonderful school community.
