The Pennsbury School Board has locked in its leadership for the next several years.
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The board voted last Thursday to approve a five-year contract renewal for Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith.
The agreement, which takes effect Aug. 1, extends Smith’s time at Pennsbury through June 31, 2031.
Smith is entering his sixth year at the helm of the district, which serves students in Falls and Lower Makefield townships, along with Tullytown and Yardley boroughs.
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Under the terms of the new deal, Smith will receive a starting salary of $226,229.67. The contract includes a 1.5% annual pay increase and a $2,000 yearly stipend for his doctoral degree. Additionally, the district will provide a $600 monthly stipend to cover vehicle and telephone expenses related to his professional duties.
The renewal comes as the district takes on several projects, including a strategic plan implementation and the construction of a new high school.
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Board President Dr. Joanna Steere praised the working relationship between the board and the superintendent.
“The board is fortunate to have Dr. Smith as a partner who is committed to making Pennsbury the best district it can be,” Steere said. “We look forward to continuing that partnership moving forward for another five years.”
Addressing the board and public last week, Smith expressed his gratitude for the confidence in his leadership.
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“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with all of you together as we continue our progress in moving forward in the district,” Smith said. “I’m continually learning and growing, and I’m committed to making Pennsbury the best it can be for our students, our staff, and our administrators.”
Smith, a longtime educator in New Jersey, was hired by the board in 2021 at a yearly pay rate of $210,000 per year. He succeeded Dr. William Gretzula, who retired before his contract ended after a period of upheaval in Pennsbury.
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The Pennsbury School Board approved a five-year contract renewal for Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith last week.
The contract renewal comes as Smith enters his sixth year leading the district.
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The new contract take effect on August 1 and runs through June 31, 2031.
As part of the new deal, Smith’s salary will be $226,229.67 and will increase by 1.5 percent each year after. He will also have a yearly $2,000 doctoral stipend and a monthly $600 stipend to cover phone and vehicle costs related to his job.
Smith’s new contract with the district comes is moves forward on several projects, including new high school construction and implementation of a strategic plan.
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Board President Dr. Joanna Steere highlighted Smith’s partnership with the board in making Pennsbury “the best district it can be.”
“The board is fortunate to have Dr. Smith as a partner who is committed to making Pennsbury the best district it can be,” Steere said. “And we look forward to continuing that partnership moving forward for another five years.”
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Smith expressed gratitude for the board’s continued support and outlined his commitment to the district’s future.
“I’d just like to thank the board for your continued trust and support with the renewal of my contract,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with all of you together as we continue our progress in moving forward in the district. I’m continually learning and growing, and I’m committed to making Pennsbury the best it can be for our students, our staff, and our administrators.”
Smith was hired as the leader for the district that serves students in Falls Township, Lower Makefield Township, Tullytown Borough, and Yardley Borough in 2021.
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Smith, a longtime educator in New Jersey, was hired to replace Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula. Gretzula surprised the school community when he announced he was retiring with time left on his contract after a tumultuous tenure.
