The start of each school year brings excitement and the promise of new beginnings. The 2024-25 school year also marks an important moment in the history of HSSD as Dr. Mark Smith begins his tenure as Superintendent.
Throughout his educational career, Superintendent Smith has held a variety of leadership roles:
• 2019-2024: HSSD Deputy Superintendent
• 2016-2019: HSSD Assistant Superintendent of Organizational Development
• Prior to HSSD, multiple executive leadership positions at the Green Bay Area Public School District
Entering his first year, Superintendent Smith said, “I am most excited to partner with our amazing staff and highly supportive community to build on our tradition of excellence for our children. We will continue to create opportunities for our community to partner with us as, together, we educate our students.”
Superintendent Smith notes the importance of teachers and school staff in the lives of students. “My school experience wasn’t always easy. I struggled with some classes more than others, but what I discovered was the power of influence that each staff member can have on the future of our children,” said Superintendent Smith.
“Because of one specific teacher who poured into me and challenged me to be a better version of myself, I am now paying it forward by encouraging our nearly 6,000 students to strive for their own personal excellence.”
He has been hard at work since he was named Superintendent last September. Superintendent Smith developed a Superintendent Entry Plan, which includes three phases of onboarding: listening, learning, and leading.
1. Listening: While listening will be one of the most important elements throughout his superintendency, the official listening phase took place from January-June 2024. It included school tours and listening sessions with stakeholder groups.
2. Learning: This is the current phase (June-August 2024). Superintendent Smith has been reporting themes from listening sessions and has begun the strategic planning process called Stronger Together. Mark your calendar for our Stronger Together event (December 12-14). We want all voices to be heard as, together, we set a clear strategic direction for HSSD.
3. Leading: Beginning in September, Superintendent Smith will be in full-gear planning for Stronger Together.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Superintendent Smith, his wife Stephanie, and children Gavin and Sadie are active in the Howard-Suamico community. Living here for 20 years, he has volunteered in children’s ministry, and coached baseball and football at all levels from Howard-Suamico Youth Sports to college. He is most proud of serving as a positive role model for young people and inspiring hope to become whatever they want to be.
Visit the Superintendent page by following this link for Promise Made, Promise Kept updates and for more about Superintendent Smith. For more information about the Howard-Suamico School District, please visit www.hssdschools.org.
