Hamlet native Joy Smart will replace Tonya Waddell as principal of Richmond Early College High School. Waddell — REACH principal since the beginning of the 2015-16 school year — has left Richmond County for a position with the U.S. Navy.
“I am excited to join the faculty, staff and students at Richmond Early College High School,” Smart said. “I believe REACH is an awesome school, with people who are truly committed to student learning, growth and success.”
Smart’s latest position was as assistant principal at Scotland High School in Laurinburg.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg and a Master of Arts in Library Information from N.C. Central University. In 2013, Smart received her license as school administration principal from the Sandhills Leadership Academy in Southern Pines.
Smart has spent most of her 22-year career in Richmond County schools as a teacher, media specialist and academic coach.
Richmond County Schools gave no indication as to Smart’s start date as principal.