District 208 Board of Education renews principal’s contract

Principal+Kristin+Smetana+working+at+her+computer.

Isabel Hughes

Principal Kristin Smetana working at her computer.

Isabel Hughes, Story/Layout Editor

On February 14, 2017, RBHS’ Principal Kristin Smetana’s contract was renewed. This contract is for two years set to begin on July 1, 2017 and end on June 30, 2019. This contract comes with salary and performance increases.

As Smetana looks to her next two years here, she hopes to collaborate with students and teachers more. She especially hopes to get to know the students better by speaking with them during class and club or sport meetings.

“Kristin has consistently demonstrated the ability to be the instructional leader of our high school. Through her data-driven approach, she is committed to staff development and student achievement…The well-being of the students and school community is foremost in her approach to her position,” said superintendent Dr. Kevin Skinkis.

Providing career and internship opportunities to expose students to things they can do post high school is something Smetana would like to do more of. Smetana also hopes to work with teachers from each department to do this, and also improve the curriculum and make each student’s high school experience the best it can be.

“This is an easy question. RB is such a great place because of the people that are here,” said Smetana when asked why she enjoys being principal here.

Looking to the upcoming board elections, with five candidates competing for three spots, Smetana hopes that the board continues to be supportive of everything done here at RB. Smetana hopes to continue to improve the 1:1 technology program and create a career exploration program. The board being supportive is vital for these programs to succeed.

“Kristin has done [a] nice job during her tenure as an RB Administrator. She works well with the Superintendent, staff, students, and parents, and is a valuable asset to RB,” said Mike Welch, Board of Education President.