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Dr. Steve Smith, superintendent of the Lowndes County School System for nearly 7 years, officially retires with the end of the school year. A retirement celebration in his honor is being held today, as community leaders come together to thank him for his contributions and service to the school system.
Before Smith was offered the position, as the final candidate, he was interviewed by the Times and here is what he said about coming to LCS: “All decisions made will be shared between the board room and the classroom. I am not the sort of person to just come in and start changing things. I have ideas, but I am more interested in hearing what the people want.”
After accepting the offer, Smith talked to the newspaper about how excited he was to be working in Lowndes, and offered a quote which exemplified his tenure with the system: "...I am a servant-leader. I've been selected to lead the school system, but I've also been selected to serve the system," he said. "I am not a dictator. I am not an autocratic-style leader. I'm someone who can work with everybody. I want to develop a consensus on what's in the best interest of the kids. That's the bottom line: what's in the best interest of the children."
Smith followed through on his intentions over the years, building a consensus between the board room and the classroom, and acting as a servant leader throughout his tenure.
His dedication to the Lowndes System and to the community has been evident over the years, and his leadership will be difficult to replace.
However, Smith and the LCS board were insightful enough to promote Wes Taylor into the superintendent’s position to take the reins. Named both the state and the national principal of the year in 2010, Taylor’s time at Lowndes High has more than prepared him to take on this next challenge.
As the community bids farewell to one leader, it welcomes another. The Times wishes Smith well in his retirement and welcomes Taylor to his new position.
What We Think
Farewell, Dr. Smith
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