Mark Smith is embarking on his first year as superintendent of the Howard-Suamico School District, a role he has been preparing for diligently. The announcement of Smith as the new superintendent came last fall, with his official start date being July 1. The process to bring Smith into this position began in January, as outlined in an entry plan on the district’s website.
Taking over from his predecessor, Damian LaCroix, who served as superintendent for 19 years, Smith is keen on ensuring a seamless transition. As he steps into his new role, Smith’s focus is on enhancing academic opportunities for students, retaining top-notch staff, and fostering community engagement.
Born and raised on the east side of Green Bay, Smith’s journey to becoming a superintendent was not a direct path. While attending Preble High School, he was more interested in sports than academics until a teacher, Beth Menzel, encouraged him to think about his future. This pivotal moment inspired Smith to pursue a career in education.
After studying social studies and sociology at St. Norbert College, Smith returned to Preble High School as a social studies teacher. Over the years, he transitioned into various administrative roles within the Green Bay Area Public Schools system before eventually landing a position in Howard-Suamico, where his children were attending school.
Having served as the deputy superintendent in Howard-Suamico for over four years under LaCroix, Smith is now at the helm of a district that educates approximately 5,900 students across eight schools. He has outlined four key priorities for the district’s future, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, expansion of technical education and early childhood offerings, and community engagement.
Smith envisions modernizing learning spaces to align with future work environments, ensuring that students are prepared for the evolving job market. Additionally, he plans to involve the Howard and Suamico communities in shaping the district’s strategic plan through a three-day event called „Stronger Together“ in December.
While the district faces challenges such as inflationary cost concerns post the expiration of a 2021 operational referendum in 2028, Smith is proactive in addressing these issues. Conversations about potential future referendums have already begun, with a focus on maintaining the district’s financial stability while maximizing student outcomes.
Despite the challenges, Smith remains optimistic about the community’s support for the district. He emphasizes the collaborative effort required to nurture and educate children in Howard-Suamico, highlighting the shared values and investments made by both villages.
As Smith embarks on his journey as superintendent, his dedication to academic excellence, community engagement, and financial sustainability will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Howard-Suamico School District. Through his leadership and the support of the community, the district is poised for continued success in providing quality education to its students.