Pennsbury Names New Superintendent Finalist

FALLSINGTON, PA — Pennsbury School District's directors have announced a single final candidate for the position of superintendent.

Thomas Smith, the current superintendent of Hopewell Valley Regional School District in Pennington, N.J., has been selected to replace Superintendent William Gretzula, who plans to retire at the end of this school year.

The announcement of Smith's nomination comes after an extensive search launched after Gretzula announced his retirement plans last fall. The board got 22 applications and 10 candidates were chosen for "meet and greet" interviews.

Five of those advanced to a second-round interview and Smith was picked by directors for a final interview.

Community members are invited to a community forum with Smith on Wednesday, April 14, at Keller Hall at Pennsbury High School West, at 608 S. Olds Blvd. in Fairless Hills. It will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and seating will be limited due to COVID restrictions.

Residents may submit up to two questions for Smith at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit website. They will be accepted until midnight on Sunday, April 11.

Smmith holds a bachelor's degree in communications, two master's degrees in education from The College of New Jersey and a doctorate in educational leadership from Seton Hall University.

He has worked as a teacher and coach and at all levels of administration in multiple school districts. He currently serves as president of the Mercer County Administrators Association and was named Mercer County Superintendent of the Year in 2018.

Smith also teaches graduate-level courses in education and his recent work has focused on social-emotional learning and mental-health programs for students.

He lives with his wife and three children in Allentown, N.J.