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Once inhabited by 2000 Leni-Lenape Indians, what is presently known as Scotch Plains-Fanwood was also once a part of a Scottish colony. The colony was populated in part by the enthusiasm of George Scot, a Scottish immigrant who encouraged his countrymen to seek out the "large plain under the blue hills." The towns, originally part of Elizabethtown which included Westfield at one time, were first known as Fanwood Township. In 1895 one square mile was separated as Fanwood Borough, and in 1917 the original colonial name Scotch Plains (Scotsplain) was given to land surrounding Fanwood Borough. The two municipalities that make up one school district, are known as the Township of Scotch Plains and the Borough of Fanwood.The land for the first school building was deeded to the town by William Darby in 1768. The Scotch Plains Baptist School Society provided the first opportunity for formal education for a mere $1.87 per quarter, long before the passage of the free school law of 1878.
As the population increased, other early schools were created throughout the two interwoven communities. The Jackson School House on the corner of Terrill and Cushing Roads and the Willow Grove School in the neighborhood of Lambert's Mill were used until the mid 19th century and early 1870 respectively.
In 1898 six graduates came out of the high school program. Because of such small enrollment by 1907, high school students were transferred to Plainfield High School as tuition students. The town did not provide their own high school program again until 1930, although a decision was made to build a school to house grades seven, eight and nine. In 1931 a comprehensive high school program was offered at the Park Avenue School. During this time Howard Brunner served as supervisory principal. The program was approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education. In 1936 the high school was one of only four schools selected to test on an experimental basis a new evaluation system of the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. All of the criteria used in evaluating high schools were developed as a result of this experimentation. In 1961, the school district became regional, although they had been regional in character since 1870.
In 1954 the two towns approved the building of a new high school on the Happle dairy farm site. Thus, in 1957, the present Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School located on Westfield Road was completed. In 1960 a result of the Scotch Plains Master Plan Study reported "Scotch Plains had percentage increases in population about four times as great as the county and over five times as great as the state." Thus, in 1968, a major addition was added on the high school's 29 acre tract. On December 31, 1969, the first part of the new addition was opened. By May 1970, the entire new section including Media Center, science area, Multi-Purpose Room and auto shop was in use. Presently the entire facility is capable of serving 2000 students.
Today Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School is a comprehensive high school, based at the foot of the Watchung Mountains in Union County still serving the suburban towns of Scotch Plains and Fanwood. The school is known for having an atmosphere that is learner friendly. Visitors and graduates alike often comment on the excellent rapport between faculty and students.
Perhaps one of the greatest tributes to the school is the consistency of its leadership. Since 1941 the high school has had only three principals. The longevity of each of these men as principal is a testimony to each one's dedication and contributions to the well rooted philosophy of challenges and accomplishments found in SP-FHS over the years. Since its beginnings, the school's purpose, to prepare youth to achieve their potential in a world filled with social, economic and educational challenges, has been the common goal of each of these leaders.
Mr. Robert Adams, Jr. graduated from Alfred University in 1927, certified to teach English, physics, science, Spanish and math. In 1928 he was employed to teach math at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. The beginning of the war years saw his appointment as principal of the high school. He served in this capacity from January 1941 to his retirement on June 30, 1966. In addition to his role as principal, he supervised cheerleaders and Student Council as afterschool activities. He was also active in community affairs throughout his career. He served on the Board of Managers of the YMCA and on the juvenile Committee of Fanwood.
With quiet persistence, Mr. Adams advanced the quality of educational programs for his students. Mr. Adams retired in 1966 after a career of 38 years in education. In 1993, alumni and former faculty dedicated the Robert Adams, Jr. Campus in the front of the high school. This dedication was intended to show Mr. Adams the long lasting influence he had upon those who knew him. Mr. Adams died in 1994.
Dr. Perry Tyson became acting Principal in July 1965. A graduate of Juaniata College, Dr. Tyson earned a Master's degree and his Doctorate at Rutgers University. Serving after Mr. Adams, Dr. Tyson was in the principal's position from 1966 to January 31, 1972. As an educational innovator, he creatively met the needs of the changing times during the '70's. He was appointed assistant superintendent of the district on February 1, 1972. He also served as acting superintendent from July 1974-1975 and again from February 1978, until June 1978. Dr. Tyson died in 1983.
Dr. Terry Riegel served as Principal from February 1, 1972 to June, 1998. He also served under Dr. Tyson as vice principal since 1969. Prior to this he was a high school social studies teacher. A graduate of Bloomsburg University, Class of 1963, he received his Master's Degree in 1965 and his Doctorate at New York University in 1969. His appointment as principal in 1972 gave him the distinction of being the youngest principal in New Jersey. Because of increased student enrollment, more students have graduated under Dr. Riegel than under both Dr. Tyson and Mr. Adams. Dr. Riegel has served under five superintendents. During his tenure, Dr. Riegel was responsive to the needs of the community and effectively blended these with the goals of the school.
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