Springfield City Schools hires new lead principal

The Springfield City School District hired a new lead principal to head the local high school next year.

Patrick Smith, an assistant principal in Colorado, will begin 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.”

MORE: Parents, residents get chance to weigh in on Springfield High

The position of lead principal at the high school is a new one. It was created as the district explores doing away with academies and moving towards a more traditional one high school principal structure.

Springfield high school students choose one of five academies — Health and Human Services; Visual and Performing Arts; Business and Law; Digital Media and Communications; and Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Arts, and Math. But the academies don’t have an even distribution of students, resulting in some counselors with too many students and others with not enough.

MORE: Springfield school board to discuss high school’s structure

The school needs to make sure students are getting one-on-one time with counselors and teachers to make sure they are prepared to pass tests, Superintendent Bob Hill said. The district has tried to close the gap between workloads for each counselor by sending some STEAM students to counselors with less students, Hill said, but it hasn’t worked out due to the academy demands.

RELATED: Springfield high school revamp aims to raise test scores

Hill said multiple candidates were interviewed for the job and Smith stood out above the rest.

Director of Secondary Education Marvin Jones and Hill traveled to Colorado to talk with Smith as well as teachers and students in his district. The people there had good things to say.

“Marvin Jones and I visited the school where Mr. Smith currently serves as assistant principal,” Hill said. “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.”

Smith is still working in Colorado, but said in a statement he is excited to start working in Springfield.

“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,” He said.

“When I visited Springfield, I was immediately drawn to the energy, warm hometown feel, and potential within the community.

“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.”

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