New principal of Pioneer High School announced

Desmond Smith comes to AAPS from the South Redford School District

Jeanice K. Swift, Superintendent of Schools, Ann Arbor Public Schools, is pleased to announce the appointment of Desmond G. Smith as the new Principal of Pioneer High School.

Smith comes to Ann Arbor Public Schools from South Redford School District, where he has served as a principal. He has more than 17 years of experience in education and has held numerous roles, including high school Social Studies and History teacher, assistant principal of high schools in both Wayne and Oakland Counties, and middle school principal. 

Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, with emphasis on History and Social Studies, from Western Michigan University and earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in 2012 from Eastern Michigan University.  

Swift shares: “Mr. Smith’s practical experiences as a veteran educator, a proven record of successful school leadership, and his commitment to engaging with the wider community demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience that will serve the Pioneer school community well.”

Smith writes: “I am honored and humbled to be selected as the principal of Pioneer High School. Joining the Pioneer community is not something I take lightly, and I am very thankful to the staff, community, and district leadership for your vote of confidence. I look forward to meeting all of you in the coming days as we embark upon this new school year together.”