RBHS principal Jacob Smith announces retirement

After more than two decades in public education, River Bluff High School Principal Jacob Smith has announced plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year. His career in education is defined by his deep care and concern for students and a sharp focus on supporting teenagers as they discover who they are and who they are becoming.

Smith came to Lexington County School District One in 2013 to be an assistant principal at RBHS when the school opened. He became the school’s second principal in 2021. He consistently credits the collective strength of his team and staff for the school’s success. As a founding staff member, he played a vital role in establishing the school’s culture and core programs. He helped expand academic and extracurricular opportunities while developing strong systems for leadership growth. He is also deeply committed to mentoring colleagues and building staff capacity for long-term success.

Before joining Lexington One, Smith served as principal of Brookland–Cayce High School in Lexington School District Two. During his tenure, the school’s graduation rate increased by 6.5%, and end-of-course exam scores improved in biology, algebra, English and U.S. history. He also launched a community-wide mentoring program to support students at risk of dropping out, strengthening partnerships between the school and the community.

Earlier in his career, Smith worked in Richland County School District Two as a teacher and assistant administrator at Spring Valley High School. Smith began his career in 2002 in Beaufort County School District, teaching science at the district’s alternative school and coaching football at Beaufort High School.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education and a Master of Education in educational leadership from the University of South Carolina. He is the 5A president of the S.C. High School League and a member of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.