Jacob Smith, principal of River Bluff High School, has announced plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year after more than two decades in public education.
Smith joined Lexington County School District One in 2013 as an assistant principal when River Bluff opened and became the school’s second principal in 2021. A founding staff member, he helped establish the school’s culture and core programs while expanding academic and extracurricular opportunities, developing leadership systems and mentoring colleagues.
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 percent, and end-of-course exam scores improved in biology, algebra, English and U.S. history. He also launched a community mentoring program to support students at risk of dropping out.
Earlier in his career, Smith worked in Richland County School District Two as a teacher and assistant administrator at Spring Valley High School. He began his career in 2002 in the 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 also serves as the 5A president of the South Carolina High School League and is a member of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
