Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
References
Honors And Recognition
Leadership And Strategic Initiatives
Timeline
Generic

Lee Smith

Mena,AR

Summary

Visionary educational leader dedicated to career readiness, technology integration, and leadership development through a transformational approach. Committed to strategic planning and community collaboration, fostering environments where students and educators thrive. Skilled in leveraging emerging technologies to enhance learning, cultivating strong industry and community partnerships supporting workforce preparedness. Passionate about empowering leaders by developing a shared vision and mission that unites all stakeholders, driving continuous improvement, and long-term success in education.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Superintendent

Mena Public Schools
Mena, Arkansas
01.2019 - Current
  • Organized Arkansas' first-ever no-code AI hackathon, engaging corporate partners for judging and prizes, where students used AI to create fully functional websites.
  • Designed an automated, paperless purchasing workflow, reducing approval time from days to minutes, secured by blockchain encryption, with audit-proof internal controls.
  • Developed and implemented a 360-degree feedback model for principal evaluations, empowering teachers, and training administrators in constructive data use.
  • Led the construction of a 40,000 sq. ft. activity center and a remodel of the football complex restrooms and concessions, while coming in under budget.
  • Replaced the fleet of school vehicles, ensuring safe and modern transportation for students and staff.
  • Created and maintained a weekly district newsletter for four years in response to staff feedback.
  • Developed a district dashboard to provide real-time performance data, using graphs and charts to track progress toward district goals.
  • Community Leadership: President of the Lions Club and ex officio member of the Revitalize Mena Initiative, working on hotel and downtown feasibility, and construction projects.
  • I taught the Guiding Coalition data interpretation methods to shift from 'hoping' to 'knowing' student performance trends.
  • Secured over $800,000 in private donations for the district within the last four years.

Superintendent

Horatio Public Schools
Horatio, Arkansas
01.2014 - 01.2019
  • Initiated and facilitated the convergence of a secondary vocational training program with a new post-secondary initiative, involving business and industry partnerships
  • Adjusted policy, funding, and partnerships to enable high school students to graduate with an associate's degree
  • Removed the district from probationary status within the first year through strategic academic interventions
  • Increased legal balance by $250,000 within two years through financial restructuring
  • Implemented a 1:1 technology initiative, securing grants for computer coding, robotics, and drone programs
  • Restructured a deficit food service program (-$85,000) into a self-sufficient operation

Career & Technical Education Coordinator

DeQueen-Mena Educational Cooperative
Gillham, Arkansas
01.2009 - 01.2014

Adjunct Instructor

Rich Mountain Community College
Mena, Arkansas
01.2002 - 01.2013

Agriculture Instructor

Mena & Acorn Public Schools
Mena, Arkansas
01.1996 - 01.2009

Education

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership

University of Arkansas at Little Rock
01.2016

M.S.E. - Educational Leadership

Henderson State University
01.2004

M.S. - Agriculture and Extension Education

University of Arkansas
01.2000

B.S. - Agricultural Education

Southern Arkansas University
01.1996

Skills

  • Program implementation
  • Fiscal planning
  • Employee discipline
  • Project management
  • Organizational effectiveness
  • Value engineering
  • Public speaking
  • Relationship building and management
  • Educational leadership
  • Leadership development
  • Strategic planning
  • Continuous improvement
  • Community engagement
  • Financial administration
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Policy development
  • Relationship building
  • Instructional design
  • Leadership and vision
  • Data analysis

Certification

  • District Level Administrator Certification (Arkansas Department of Education)
  • National Board Certified Teacher (2009-2019)
  • Secondary Vocational Center Administrator Certification
  • Arkansas Career & Technical Education Leadership Institute Graduate

References

Available upon request.

Honors And Recognition

  • Arkansas Rural Education Association Southern Region Superintendent of the Year (2017)
  • ACTE National Fellow
  • Ideas Unlimited Award Recipient
  • TEACH (Teaching Environment and Conservation Holistically) Mexico Team Member

Leadership And Strategic Initiatives

  • Early Development Instrument (EDI) Initiative - Leading district-wide efforts to improve early childhood education readiness.
  • Leadership Gap Study Facilitator - Leading professional development sessions on leadership effectiveness and transformational leadership.
  • Micro-Credential Stipend System - Implemented a performance-based pay structure for professional development.
  • Leader-to-Leader, Arkansas Leadership Academy, Sevier County Leadership - Programs to enhance leadership skills and create a larger network of professionals.
  • Leaders of Literacy - A year-long program for district leaders to learn the science, process, and implementation of The Science of Reading.

Timeline

Superintendent

Mena Public Schools
01.2019 - Current

Superintendent

Horatio Public Schools
01.2014 - 01.2019

Career & Technical Education Coordinator

DeQueen-Mena Educational Cooperative
01.2009 - 01.2014

Adjunct Instructor

Rich Mountain Community College
01.2002 - 01.2013

Agriculture Instructor

Mena & Acorn Public Schools
01.1996 - 01.2009

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

M.S.E. - Educational Leadership

Henderson State University

M.S. - Agriculture and Extension Education

University of Arkansas

B.S. - Agricultural Education

Southern Arkansas University
Lee Smith