A 23-year educator at West Aurora School District 129 has been named as the eventual replacement for Superintendent Jeff Craig as he approaches his retirement in the district.
Craig’s contract with West Aurora will end June 30, 2024. He began as superintendent July 1, 2014.
The West Aurora School Board Monday night approved the appointment of Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Michael Smith to step into the role of superintendent at the end of Craig’s contract.
Smith currently is the administrative custodian of all collective bargaining agreements with five unions representing the district’s employees. He oversees the hiring of the district’s nearly 1,800 staff members and serves on the superintendent’s executive leadership teams involved in district initiatives and organizational management decisions, district officials said.
The school board earlier this year selected Schaumburg-based education consulting firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates to conduct an internal search for the next superintendent, which included individual interviews, focus groups and two community forums, as well as an online survey to help guide them in the selection process.
“The board is very thankful for all of the community and staff participation,” West Aurora School Board President Richard Kerns said in a district statement.
“We are extremely excited for Dr. Mike Smith” and look forward to his transition to superintendent, he said.
Until Craig’s retirement in 2024, Smith will continue in his current role while preparing to transition to his new appointment, district officials said.
Prior to becoming assistant superintendent, Smith served three years in related positions, including being the district’s director and executive director for Human Resources. Smith brings a total of 11 years of building leadership experience to the role of superintendent as well, according to district officials.
He served as assistant principal of McCleery and Smith elementary schools as well as principal of Fearn and Schneider elementary schools, district officials said.
Smith began his educational career at Nicholson Elementary School as a fifth-grade teacher. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Judson University, as well as a master’s degree and doctorate, both in educational administration from Aurora University.
“I want to thank the Board of Education for affording me the opportunity to continue my service to the students, staff and community of West Aurora School District 129 via this new role,” Smith said in the statement.
“I truly value the support of my family, the guidance from leadership I have had, and the partnership of those with whom I have been blessed to have worked with over the years. I am excited to be a part of the team that will look to build on the solid foundation that has been established under the leadership of Dr. Craig,” he said.
The public is invited to a reception at 6 p.m. Thursday where Smith will be introduced to the community as the next superintendent of West Aurora School District. The event will be held in the lower cafeteria of West Aurora High School, 1201 W. New York St., Aurora. Guests are invited to park in the front of the building and enter through Door 2, officials said.
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
