North Smithfield Public Schools

08/13/2026

Welcome Back, North Smithfield!

As we prepare to begin the 2026–2027 school year, I want to take a moment to introduce myself and tell you how excited I am to serve as the new Superintendent of North Smithfield Public Schools. I am incredibly grateful to the North Smithfield School Committee for entrusting me with this opportunity, and I am truly humbled by the confidence they have placed in me to serve the students, staff, families, and entire North Smithfield community.

My name is David Raleigh, and I have spent the past 35 years in public education, primarily in Kentucky. I have had the privilege of serving as superintendent in four school districts—two in Kentucky and two in Rhode Island, most recently in Jamestown.

My wife, Tami, and I are excited about this new chapter. We have three adult sons who still live in Kentucky, and while Kentucky will always be an important part of our family's story, Rhode Island has become home.

I am honored to join such a strong and successful school community. I also recognize that before I can lead well, I need to listen and learn.

Listen. Learn. Lead. will guide my approach as I begin my work in North Smithfield.

My leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership, relationships, collaboration, transparency, and trust. You can expect me to be visible, approachable, and accessible. I want to be in our schools, classrooms, hallways, athletic events, performances, and throughout our community—not simply in the superintendent's office.

Most importantly, I believe every person in our district matters and that our greatest success will come when we work together as one team.

And to our students: You are the reason we are here. I cannot wait to meet you, learn from you, celebrate your accomplishments, and watch you grow throughout the year. Keeping you at the center of our work and our decisions will always be our priority.

To our families and community members, when you see me at school or around North Smithfield, please come over and introduce yourself. I want to hear what you love about our schools and your hopes for their future.

A new school year represents a new beginning and endless possibilities. I am incredibly excited to be here and even more excited about what we can accomplish together.

Welcome back, North Smithfield! Here's to an outstanding 2026–2027 school year!

07/27/2026

In my last week of work, I hope you don't mind indulging me as I share some images from the last 10 years.

TOWN: Here are a few pictures I snapped when exploring this wonderful town. You are looking good, North Smithfield!

07/22/2026

Welcome David Raleigh, North Smithfield’s Next Superintendent

Dear North Smithfield School Community,

It is my distinct honor to introduce you to North Smithfield’s next Superintendent of Schools, David Raleigh.

The School Committee conducted an extensive and thorough search to find a leader who aligns with our district’s core values of academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of every student.

In David, we have found an educator and leader whose experience and dedication will serve this community well:

- Superintendent of Schools, Jamestown School Department - Jamestown, RI
- School Improvement Specialist, Cognia
- Superintendent of Schools, LaRue County Schools - Hodgenville, KY
- Assistant Superintendent of District Services, Franklin County Schools - Frankfort, KY
- Education Recovery Leader, Kentucky Department of Education, Frankfort, KY
- Superintendent of Schools, Owen County Schools, KY
- Principal, Franklin County Schools, KY
- Assistant Principal, Frankfort Independent Schools , KY
- Teacher & Instructional Support Roles, Fayette County Public Schools, KY

I have full confidence that David will build upon the strong foundation we have established together. From our robust curriculum and modernized facilities to the incredible administrators and dedicated faculty and staff that make this district such a special place, I know that North Smithfield’s students are poised for continued success under his leadership.

David brings his experience and southern charm to North Smithfield beginning August 4th. His new email address is [email protected]. Please give him a warm Northmen welcome!

I wish David, our staff, our students, and our families nothing but the very best as North Smithfield moves into this new and exciting chapter.

Sincerely,

Michael St. Jean
(Soon-to-be-Retired) Superintendent, North Smithfield Public Schools

07/01/2026

More summer upgrades: eight additional classrooms at North Smithfield Elementary School now feature air conditioning, perfectly timed for the summer heat and the ESY program. Plans are in place to outfit more rooms as funding allows.

06/30/2026

Kicking off our NSPS summer improvements, the walking path extending from the middle school, past the softball field and basketball court, and leading to the turf field has been completely resurfaced.

06/29/2026

Prior to the end of the school year, North Smithfield Elementary School students Rhys, Charlotte, and Violet expressed their gratitude to school committee member Mr. William Connell for visiting Mrs. Foster's class to read with them. The students showcased their creativity and confidence by presenting the beautifully illustrated storybooks they crafted, captivating everyone as they read their work aloud.

06/17/2026

Happy last day of school! Join us in celebrating the 2025-26 school year and honoring the incredible achievements of our students and staff, made possible through the support of our families and community.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffgM64XRIh0stuA--8YXS_kiM4mjGU8k/view?usp=drive_link

On a personal note, although my retirement doesn’t start until early August, on this last day of school, I want to express my gratitude for a memorable decade as superintendent and take this opportunity to celebrate this incredible team of dedicated, caring professionals who work tirelessly every day to impact our students’ lives and futures.

06/08/2026

06/05/2026

What an exciting day at North Smithfield Elementary School as the little ones cheered on and congratulated our graduating North Smithfield High School seniors. In addition to the Senior Walk, new this year was the Kindergarten Book Presentations to the class of 2026.

Included in the pictures is a special moment when Mrs. Bertherman reunited with students from her last kindergarten class the year she retired.💚

06/03/2026

Mrs. Koerner's first grade class at North Smithfield Elementary School taught us so much during their animal nonfiction presentations🙂