RFH’s New Superintendent Reports to the Office

The search is over. A new superintendent has been called to the office at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH).

Dr. Lee McDonald has begun his tenure at the high school, starting April 14.

After an extensive search process in the fall and winter months that involved a significant amount of community input, the RFH Board of Education unanimously approved McDonald for the top administrative spot on Wednesday, Feb. 26, with the April 14 start date.

After a month filled with classroom observations, conversations with students, faculty, and staff, and attendance at events ranging from fine and performing art showcases, to athletic events, to honor society inductions and award ceremonies, McDonald is getting acclimated and committed to building on RFH’s reputation for excellence.

“I am honored, humbled, and thrilled to serve as the next superintendent for the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional School District and look forward to connecting with students, staff, parents, and the school community,” he said. “This is a unique opportunity to build upon a longstanding commitment to excellence not only academically, but socially, and emotionally, for all RFH learners.”

McDonald’s professional background …

McDonald brings 25 years of educational experience to RFH, most recently serving as the deputy superintendent of schools for the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District (WWPRSD).

Since 2010, he has held multiple administrative roles in WWPRSD, including assistant superintendent, director of Counseling, Health and Wellness, and supervisor of Gifted and Talented.

Before WWPRSD, Dr. McDonald was the supervisor of Guidance at Manalapan High School, a school counselor at North Brunswick Township High School, and an academic advisor for student athletes at Rutgers University, where he was a four-year football letter-winner.

For more than 10 years, McDonald has also taught, advised, and mentored aspiring school leaders through the New Jersey Expedited Certification for Educational Leadership, Foundation for Educational Administration post-master’s program.

Outside of his professional work, McDonald is an avid boater, skier, and sports fan who lives in Manasquan with his family.

*RFH Board of Education President Annie McGinty poses with Dr. Lee McDonald (center) and his family after his appointment on Feb. 26.*

The RFH Board of Education invites all students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members to formally welcome Dr. McDonald at a meet and greet on Tuesday, May 27, at 5:30 p.m. in the Lower Learning Commons of RFH before the Board of Education meeting beginning at 6:30.