EVSC’s Dr. David Smith gives final State of Schools address
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - After more than a decade as superintendent of the EVSC, Dr. David Smith delivered his final State of Schools address on Tuesday. Dr. Smith announced his retirement earlier this year.
In front of a full crowd at the Evansville Rotary Club, Smith delivered the key speech, updating people on what’s happening inside the EVSC.
“We tend to think that what we have in Evansville is what exists everywhere,” Smith said. “I challenge you to look elsewhere for any other school district, public or private, that has the depth and the range of outstanding programming that we offer our students.”
Among the many topics of interest were technology, facilities, transportation, and innovation.
But there was also a focus on the challenges facing the district in the future. Things like funding, integrating AI, and of course the obvious challenge of finding the corporation’s next superintendent.
“I think the corporation is in great shape,” Smith said. “I fully expect it to reach even higher levels with my successor. I do know who the board has selected. I appreciate the board’s due diligence, they spent hundreds of hours on the process, something they didn’t take lightly. I think the public will be very pleased with someone that everyone in the community can and hopefully will get behind.”
And as he focused on the corporation’s achievements and what’s still to come, Dr. Smith couldn’t avoid the emotions of saying goodbye as he stepped off the stage.
“Finally, in spite of all the challenges, I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” an emotional Dr. Smith said before stepping off the stage. “Thank you for being a blessing, thank you for allowing me to be your superintendent for 13 years. Thank you, take care, God bless.”
As for who will replace Dr. Smith, he admits he and the board know the choice, but the public still does not. EVSC officials say they will soon post the contract for the next superintendent, without a name on it, per state statute.
Soon, the school board is expected to announce a vote and an official announcement of the next superintendent.
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