Doug Poye is stepping down after a 41-year career in education.
By: Donna Lukiw
It’s good to have a project to work on in retirement, and Hillsborough High School Principal Doug Poye who’s retiring at the end of the school year after 41 years in schools already has his project.
"First thing I’m going to do, (after retiring) is learn how to live life without being on a bell schedule," Mr. Poye said.
Mr. Poye began his teaching career in Piscataway in 1965 as a math teacher before coming to Hillsborough in 1972 as chairman of the mathematics department and a math teacher.
While in Hillsborough for his first year, Mr. Poye watched the Class of 1972 graduate with 204 students. Retiring in 2006, Mr. Poye will watch commencement exercises with more than 600 students.
Mr. Poye became the vice principal of Hillsborough High School in 1985 and then was appointed as acting principal in 2000 before becoming the principal that same year.
"This is a very big school," Mr. Poye said. "It takes a lot of energy and a lot of time. I’m at a point where I still have my health and some energy and I have a chance to do other things now."
English teacher Alysia Puma said when she came to HHS 10 years ago, Mr. Poye was the vice principal at the school and she was happy to hear that he will be the new principal following Anthony Radano’s retirement in 2000.
"We all sighed a breath of relief when he agreed to pursue the open principal’s position after Tony Radano retired," Ms. Puma said. "He is professional, wise, thoughtful, caring, and poised. He knew HHS, and we knew passing the torch to him would mean a smooth transition for students and staff alike. He has been committed to excellence and always puts the students’ best interests first."
The 64-year-old principal said he has stayed in Hillsborough for this long because of the students and faculty.
"I think Hillsborough is a good community," Mr. Poye said. "I think we have a good program. Why leave a good thing?"
Although Mr. Poye said events at the high school like Spirit Night, the first time the school won the football state championships and robotics competitions, have been highlights, he said his memory of a particular geometry class will never be forgotten.
"I remember the day I was teaching geometry class," he said. "A student snuck up on me while I was writing on the board and bit me on my ankle because of a bet he made with a friend. It wasn’t done maliciously or anything but I looked down and there was a student on the floor next to my ankle."
Mr. Poye said he has been impressed with the student fundraisers and students helping those who are unfortunate.
"The kids here in Hillsborough really rise to the occasion of people in need," Mr. Poye said. "The high school has been really involved in the cystic fibrosis walk. It’s an indication how they help others."
Mr. Poye said once he retires he will be able to go to the park and take a walk in the middle of the day, read just for the pleasure of it and sit down in the morning with a cup of coffee and a newspaper.
"I’ll probably try to be engaged in education in my hometown in Monroe Township through volunteer work," he said.
Mr. Poye said he’ll miss being around young people the most but he also has six grandchildren ages 2 through 10 living in the area and said he will have more time to spend with them.
"Young people are just fun," he said about the high school students. "They do a lot of goofy things but they’re so full of energy and life and hope and I think it keeps you young at least in your mind.
Mr. Poye is retiring in July but in September he will help with the transition of the new principal.

