Principal Now At The Helm Of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School

RUMSON, NJ —Stephen Sarles has begun his new role as principal of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. But he has been an integral part of the district for 11 years now, as well as a top educator in other area school districts.

“I’m delighted to continue to grow and make an impact here at RFH, a school that truly has the best kids. They look out for each other, they have fun together and they love to learn. The sense of community here at RFH is like no other and I look forward to continuing to foster such in the years ahead,” Sarles said in a statement provided by the district.

As he takes on this new position, Sarles will draw on his 28 years of experience in education, more than 11 of which have been spent at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, the school district said in a statement. Sarles was appointed by the Board of Education for the position at a May 10 meeting at a salary of $167,000.

Sarles holds a master’s degree in Classical Archaeology and a bachelor’s degree in Latin and Classical Archaeology and began his teaching career at the university level before becoming a shared Latin teacher at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional and neighboring Red Bank Regional in 1998, a bio provided by the district says.

He spent the next twelve years as a Latin and Advanced Placement Art History teacher at Red Bank Regional where he was honored as “Teacher of Year” in 2005 and became the school's first International Baccalaureate Coordinator.

From there, Sarles entered administration, assuming the role of Supervisor of World Cultures in the Ocean Township School District and oversaw the World Language Department for grades 1 through 12 and the Social Studies Department for grades 6 through 12.

In December of 2013, Sarles became Rumson-Fair Haven Regional's vice principal, the role he has held until now. Sarles has been a Monmouth County resident for the past 24 years and currently lives in Oceanport with his wife and three sons.

Sarles’ appointment concludes a principal search process that began upon notice by Kevin Pfister of his resignation last spring, the district said in its news release.

Sarles’ previous role, vice principal, will be filled by Meredith Brow in mid-August. Brow will be joining the district from the Brick Township public school system where she has served as high school vice principal and elementary school principal. Brow’s prior teaching experience was in fine arts, graphic design, and digital photography.

Sarles noted, “I’m very excited to be working with Meredith. Her varied experiences and perspectives will be welcome and valuable additions to all of the wonderful things we are already doing here at RFH.”

In all of his previous roles, Sarles has modeled "the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and ethics for all students and has demonstrated his knowledge and passion as an instructional leader" the district said in its statement.

Superintendent Darren Groh and the Board of Education "are excited for what the future holds for RFH under Sarles’ and Brow’s leadership," the statement said.