Leadership Announcement: Andrew M. Smith Named Founding Principal of New England Technical Academy

We are thrilled to announce that Andrew M. Smith has been selected as the Founding Principal of New England Technical Academy (NETA), a new statewide independent Career and Technical Education (CTE)/early college charter public high school proposed to open in the 2026–2027 school year. Smith brings a rare combination of military leadership, instructional expertise, and a deep commitment to educational equity and workforce innovation.

A retired Colonel in the United States Air Force, Smith held several senior leadership roles prior to entering the field of education, including Vice Director of the Personnel Recovery Agency and Commander of the 55th Rescue Squadron. In these roles, he oversaw large-scale operations, managed diverse teams of over 400 personnel, and directed multimillion-dollar budgets with precision and strategic foresight.

Following his military career, Smith transitioned into education with the same mission-driven passion. Most recently, he served as a science teacher at The Greene School in West Greenwich, RI, where he taught Physics, AP Environmental Science, and Environmental Engineering. He also served as the school’s District CTE Coordinator, where he developed an Environmental Engineering CTE program and secured critical Perkins funding to sustain and grow the initiative.

“Andrew Smith embodies the vision and values we’ve set for New England Technical Academy. His leadership experience, combined with his passion for innovative, equity-driven education, makes him the ideal founding principal to bring NETA’s mission to life. The Board is thrilled to have him at the helm as we build a school that will empower students across Rhode Island with the skills, mindset, and opportunities to thrive in college, careers, and beyond.” said Amy Grzybowski, Chairperson, NETA Board of Directors.

Smith has been at the forefront of instructional innovation. He was a member of Rhode Island’s high school pilot team for the OpenSciEd curriculum, which has since been adopted as one of the state’s high-quality curriculum options. He also contributed to the Next Generation Science Assessment (NGSA) revisions and engaged in professional learning in NGSS aligned instruction that led to measurable improvements in student outcomes.

Currently, Smith is a Fellow in the Leadership Residency and Planning Fellowship through the Rhode Island Education Collective, a rigorous year-long program that supports visionary school leaders with mentorship, strategic planning, and school launch readiness. He is also an active participant in the Instructional Leadership Community of Practice, and is enrolled in the Principal’s Residency Network through the Center for Leadership & Educational Equity, further developing his school-based leadership skills as he prepares to open New England Technical Academy.  

Smith holds advanced degrees, including a Master of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies, and is fully certified by the Rhode Island Department of Education as a Secondary General Science and Physics Teacher.

“We are excited to welcome Andrew M. Smith as our Founding Principal,” said Joshua Laplante, Founding Superintendent. “His experience as a military leader, accomplished educator, and systems-level thinker makes him uniquely qualified to build a school that prepares students not only for success in today’s workforce, but for leadership in tomorrow’s world.”

Under Smith’s leadership, NETA will offer students rigorous academics, hands-on career training, and a values-driven school culture. Designed to close opportunity gaps and build pathways to both college and career, the school will play a vital role in Rhode Island’s economic future and educational landscape.