Leadership Shakeup at Ramapo High School: Principal Travis Smith “Missing” from School Announcement
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Parents and students at Ramapo High School (RHS) were left with more questions than answers this week following a cryptic message from the district office.
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, a text notification informed the community that Assistant Principal Claudia Dargento is “presently in charge” of the high school. However, the message notably failed to mention the school’s long-standing leader, Principal Travis Smith, or explain his sudden absence.
The Superintendent’s Message: “Moving Forward in Po Fashion”
The notification, signed by Superintendent Shauna DeMarco, stated that Dargento is working closely with district administrators to ensure the school “keeps moving forward in positive ‘Po fashion during this time period.”
When pressed for details regarding Smith’s status, DeMarco declined further comment, citing “respect for employee privacy.” As of today, Smith remains listed as the principal on the official school website and in the Fall 2025 “Principal’s Corner” welcome greeting.
Who is Travis Smith?
Travis Smith, 50, has been the face of Ramapo High School for nearly a decade.
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Tenure: Hired in July 2016 to succeed Louis Moore.
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Background: Prior to RHS, he served as Assistant Principal at Arthur John High School in Clark and spent eight years as an English teacher and coach in North Plainfield.
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Recent Challenges: In January 2024, Smith faced public scrutiny during an investigation into hate speech found in a school bathroom. While the district was criticized for a delay in notifying parents, law enforcement later confirmed the incident was reported properly.
A District in Transition
Ramapo High School is a cornerstone of the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District, serving students from Franklin Lakes, Oakland, and Wyckoff.
With no official word on whether Smith’s absence is temporary, a leave of absence, or a permanent departure, the “Po” community is waiting for clarity. For now, Assistant Principal Dargento holds the reins of the “Green Raiders” as the school year enters its second half.
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I had the pleasure of working with Travis Smith at North Plainfield High School. He was a wonderful teacher who deeply cared about his students.
Once again is politics in the way of the Board of Education , what’s going on now?