New Smithtown High School West principal aims to distract kids from social media

A former physics teacher, William Holl says he plans to confront new challenges as the next principal of Smithtown High School West with principles of the field: To find fast solutions, sometimes one has to go slow.

"In physics, there's a problem that you're presented with, and you're using a deep analysis to figure out what the solutions are to this problem. I think that can really help in a principal setting," Holl, who started the job July 1, told Newsday. "In physics, you have to sometimes go slow to go fast, take your time and be methodical. And that is something that serves administrators really well."

Holl, 38, of Blue Point, replaces John Coady, who retired after a 15-year tenure as the high school's principal.

Holl was principal of East Moriches Middle School for the past four and a half years. Before that, he was an assistant principal at Seneca Middle School in Holbrook. Like the rising freshman making the transition from middle to high school, Holl has some first-day jitters as he takes over a school with a student body of more than 1,200.

He says he is ready to tackle the issues facing the community, including a culture where teens are increasingly addicted to and distracted by social media platforms in school and at home. Last week, 11 school districts sued Facebook and other social media platforms alleging they have harmed students' mental health. Smithtown was not one of them.

"It's here," he said. School officials have to establish boundaries and get students to find "engagement in other ways."

Mark Secaur, Smithtown school district superintendent, in a statement called Holl “an earnest, accomplished educational leader with a collaborative style that will benefit the students and staff."

Robin Matejka, president of the Smithtown High School West Parent Teacher Student Association, believes Holl will bring "fresh ideas not only to the school, but [also] foster relationships with the students, teachers and the PTSA."

Newsday recently sat down with Holl in his office during his first week as principal. The interview was edited for clarity and length.

Are you concerned about social media's effects on students, and if so, how do you plan to deal with it?

I think you need to set an expectation for social media use. It's here. When it's used properly, it's a useful tool, but when it's used improperly, there needs to be intervention from the school. Setting boundaries in school is important and having kids involved in things, either in class or sports or after-school activities like band or drama — they're doing something. I think it starts with engaging students ... in other ways besides social media. 

Is it important to talk with families about navigating the dangers posed by social media?

Yes. You have to work with families because a lot of students' time on social media is done at home or when with friends. Speaking with parents and educating them and bringing them into the fold — and letting them know about some of these issues and the dangers of social media as well as those positives — is important.

Why did you choose to become an educator?

Something like an office job or where I’m working by myself on a task isn’t really for me. Teaching is being on your feet. You’re walking around the room and engaging with 20 to 30 students at a time, and that was interesting to me. That’s something I could see myself doing for a long time.

Were you ever sent to the principal’s office as a kid? 

Not really. I was a pretty good kid; didn’t really get in trouble too much.