Scott Smith and School Board Chairman Karin Bailey sign his contract as the next superintendent of schools as the rest of the school board members look on.

Leonardtown, MD — Scott Smith is no longer “interim.” The St. Mary’s County Board of Education on Wednesday, Feb. 11 appointed James Scott Smith to be the new superintendent for a four-year term that runs from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019. His contract as interim superintendent expires June 30 but he assumes the superintendent’s position immediately.

Smith became interim superintendent Sept. 13 of last year after Dr., Michael Martirano left to become state superintendent in West Virginia. Smith has been popular leader in the community and among the board members, which prompted them to make the appointment earlier than expected.

The appointment, on a motion by board member Cathy Smith, and the contract, on a motion by board member Mary Washington, were both unanimous.

Prior to the motions Board Chairman Karin Bailey read the following statement on behalf of the board: “One of the main priorities of this board once we were all seated in December was to initiate a search for a new superintendent of schools. The board met and discussed available options regarding the selection of a superintendent. The discussion was thorough and thoughtful. Throughout the process and in working with Mr. Smith, we saw that he embodied the qualities that we identified as integral for our next superintendent. He has demonstrated: his knowledge; the qualifications; the integrity; the experience; the rapport with the students, teachers and staff; and most importantly his dedication to the school system and that ability to inspire the best for and from our students. What we saw in him as a true leader of our school system was also echoed by parents, community leaders, elected officials, and the employees of St. Mary’s County Public Schools. He has worked here since 1991, and has shown nothing but dedication and drive to make St. Mary’s County Public Schools successful. Mr. Smith guided our schools through some uncertainty and challenges over the past several months and he did so with professionalism and respect. He has been open, honest, transparent, and has tirelessly worked to answer our endless questions on school operations. These are the qualities and conduct that we want from our new Superintendent.

“In the end, our decision was straightforward (and unanimous) to offer the superintendent position to Mr., Smith. We believe that he is an exceptional superintendent that will continue to promote SMCPS, our students, and be a steady guide for the challenges that lie ahead for our school system.

“This is appointment is subject to the approval from the state superintendent of Schools Dt. Lillian Lowry. She is pleased to approve his appointment and sends her congratulations.”

Upon is appointment, Smith made the following statement:”The greatest gift anyone can be given is the opportunity to make a positive impact on another person’s life – in this case 18,000 students’ lives. I take this very seriously, as we only have a finite amount of time with our kids.

“They will only be in kindergarten once, have their 5th graded promotion to middle school once, 8th grade promotion to high school once, one senior prom, one commencement.

“And we must get it right – as these memories and lessons learned will shape who they become as adults – the attitudes they have toward learning, toward each other, toward service.

“To be charged with overseeing their succession is humbling.

“We have great students and great staff – and this makes us a great school system – and I thank you for the opportunity and will work every day relentlessly on your behalf and on the behalf of our students and staff. Thank you.”

During the meeting Smith and Bailey formally signed his contract. A copy of that contract will be posted on the school system’s website by the end of the week.

Smith has been with the St. Mary’s County Public Schools for over 23 years, serving students and staff as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, executive director, and assistant superintendent. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education, a Master’s Degree in Human Resources, and is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree from the University of Maryland at College Park.  He is certified to teach English 7-12 and holds Administrator I and Administrator II and Maryland Superintendent Credentials.

After the motions were approved, board Vice Chairman Rita Weaver presented a bouquet of flowers to Smith’s wife on behalf of the board.

At the end of the school board’s regular meeting Smith was surprised outside the meeting room by a round of applause from school staff waiting to greet him. He told them, “Try to keep me as honest as I always have been.”

Contact Dick Myers at news@thebaynet.com

New Superintendent Scott Smith talks to staff after his appointment