The Springfield City School District’s Board of Education hired Patrick Smith as Lead Principal of Springfield High School for the Springfield City School District at its regularly scheduled Board Meeting on Thursday, April 27th. Mr. Smith will move into his new role early this summer.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Patrick Smith to lead Springfield High,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Hill. “Patrick is an enthusiastic educator who clearly puts serving the needs of all students first. He emerged as the top choice after interviews with students, staff, parents, and community members. Earlier this week, SCSD’s Director of Secondary Academics Marvin Jones and I visited the school where Mr. Smith currently serves as assistant principal. We learned that not only do the students hold him in high regard, but the teachers consider him their “go-to” administrator to get things done. We have great confidence that Mr. Smith will support our staff and accelerate the school’s work to ensure all students are prepared for graduation and success in college, career, and life.”
Mr. Smith is a native of New York State where he earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He taught high school in New York City and then moved to Colorado where he worked first as a special education teacher and literacy specialist, then as Dean of Students, and is currently the assistant principal of Carson Middle School at Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs He and his wife, an Ohio native and a teacher, are parents of a young son. They look forward to relocating to Springfield early this summer.
“I am incredibly excited to join the Springfield High School team as lead principal. I have a deep-rooted belief in the power of public education, the heroism of America’s teachers, and the limitless potential of all young people. I appreciate the time that many of these people spent with me during the interview process. When I visited Springfield, I was immediately drawn to the energy, warm hometown feel, and potential within the community. I most enjoyed getting to meet students, teachers, parents, and local community members. They truly sealed my desire to join this already impressive team and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity,” said Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith continued, “I look forward to being in Springfield very soon to help build the relationships that will improve the educational experience for all. Relationships within the school and with families and community partners are the foundation to our future success. There is no doubt in my mind that, working together, we can turn Springfield High School into one of the finest educational institutions in the state.”