Carson T. Smith Named Head of The Rumson Country Day School

Following a comprehensive, eight-month search process, which culminated in a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees, The Rumson Country Day School is pleased to announce Carson T. Smith as its ninth Head of School, effective July 1, 2020.

“Selecting the next Head of School was a thorough and detailed process,” said John Devlin, President of the RCDS Board of Trustees. “Each person involved, dedicated considerable time and resources to ensure that RCDS would have excellent options when it came to our next leader. Our community is thrilled to welcome Carson Smith as we embrace the next chapter in RCDS’s 94-year history. We are confident that he will lead the school with wisdom and passion to ensure its continued growth and success.”

Carson, who holds a master’s degree in Social Studies Education from Columbia University and a B.A. from Connecticut College, will be joining RCDS from Thayer Academy, a coed day school of 700 students in grades 5-12 in Braintree, Massachusetts, where he has been Middle School Director for the past ten years, as well as a history teacher and coach. Previously Carson served as Dean of Students, history teacher and coach at The Derryfield School, and as a math teacher, department chair, and coach at Cardigan Mountain School.

“The Rumson Country Day School is a special place, guided by people who care deeply about the school and its students,” said Carson. “The school’s emphasis on tradition, the arts, athletics and service combined with its commitment to character development, individual and social responsibility, civic awareness, and leadership creates an exceptional learning environment. RCDS has every element of what I believe makes for a truly great school, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to lead a school that understands itself so well.”

A lifelong learner, Carson is currently a Doctor of Education candidate in Educational Policy and Leadership at Vanderbilt University. Over the course of his career, he has worked on numerous administrative and board-level committees, such as strategic planning, budget management, admissions, branding and marketing, summer programs, and development. His sense of volunteerism is reflected in his serving on a public school board, coaching local youth sports teams, and volunteering with an organization that promotes self-sufficiency, through physical fitness, in people experiencing homelessness.

In July, Carson will move into the Head of School residence on campus with his wife, Amy, and their three children, all of whom will enroll in RCDS in the fall.

“My wife, Amy, is just as excited to begin this journey as I am,” said Carson. “Our three children are eager to become 8th, 5th, and 1st graders, respectively. We look forward to joining the RCDS family for what I hope will be many years to come!”

Carson’s appointment is the result of a dedicated search committee and selection process guided by Educators’ Collaborative, LLC, an educational search and consulting firm. Having begun in February 2019, the process has included extensive vetting by consultants; numerous conversations with references; and three rounds of in-person interviews, culminating in recent finalist visits on campus that included all RCDS constituencies. Carson will succeed Head of School Jayne Geiger, who has made countless contributions and exceptionally served RCDS for the past three years. Jayne will conclude her tenure on June 30, 2020, and will be working with Carson and the Administrative Team to ensure a seamless transition.