A former Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) math teacher who began his education career at the high school is being called back — this time to the principal’s office.

Kevin Pfister, currently acting principal at Mountain Lakes High School in Morris County, was approved by the Board of Education on Tuesday as RFH’s next principal, Superintendent Debra Gulick said in a released statement.

Beginning his education career at RFH as a math teacher, Pfister went on to serve as assistant principal/supervisor of co-curricular activities at Mountain Lakes.

His appointment concludes a principal search process that began with former RFH Principal Tracy Handerhan’s May resignation.

Handerhan served as RFH’s principal for 13 years before her appointment as the superintendent of Wall Township School District.  

The search for a new principal included the input of the community, parents, students, and faculty. After reviewing dozens of applications, a comprehensive multi-round interview process took place.

According to Superintendent Gulick, “It was clear that Mr. Pfister would bring a fresh outlook to RFH. During the search and selection process, in addition to his passion for RFH, Mr. Pfister consistently demonstrated that he is a creative problem solver, a hard worker, and makes great connections with students and parents. I look forward to partnering with Mr. Pfister to continue to write RFH’s next chapter of success.”

Pfister will join the RFH team early in the school year.

Pfister has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.  

Besides teaching,  Pfister also served as a coach, and advisor during his tenure at RFH and is excited to rejoin the school community.

“It is an honor and privilege to return to Rumson and Fair Haven as the next principal at RFH. I look forward to reconnecting with the dedicated students, families, staff, administration, and community members that make the RFH school community so special.”

Newly-appointed RFH Principal Kevin Pfister

In all of his previous roles, school officials in a released statement said Pfister has “modeled the highest standards of honesty, integrity, fairness, and ethics for all students. He has demonstrated his passion for student-focused pedagogical strategies in the classroom and as an instructional leader … The RFH Board of Education looks forward to his return and a successful, though untraditional, school year.”