Richard M. Smith Ed.D.
Williamsburg,VA
Summary
Strategic School Leader with expertise in action research, program evaluation, and collaborative culture development. Experienced Superintendent with a focus on curriculum oversight and data-informed reform. Engages stakeholders to foster student success through effective communication and teamwork.
Overview
1
1
Certification
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Superintendent of Schools
Martha's Vineyard Public Schools - MVYPS
Tisbury, MA
07.2022 - 06.2026
- Promoted the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff by cultivating a shared vision, fostering continuous improvement, and overseeing curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
- Promoted the success of all students by communicating effectively with families and the community, engaging them in collaborative partnerships, and addressing their concerns.
- Promoted the safety and well-being of students and staff by administering human resources, fiscal systems, legal policies, and facility operations effectively.
- Promoted new practices to ensure proper fiscal management and oversight in all MVYPS departments.
- Restructured staffing in central office to improve efficiency. Redesigned the Shared Services Compass Program model for better resource allocation.
- Developed and oversaw a mentoring program to support new administrators.
- Promoted the establishment of the Co-teaching model in all 6 MVYPS Schools.
- Promoted the establishment of Collaborative Problem Solving (Thin:Kids) Model in all MVYPS Schools.
- Promoted the establishment of consistent literacy programming in all schools K-5 with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Into Reading.
- Worked with the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium to ensure A Safe and Supportive School System for all children through an equity audit and the consideration of changed policies to support culturally sensitive practices for all students and staff.
- Led the feasibility and funding for a proposed $333.5 million MVRHS Building Project through the Massachusetts School Building Authority Modules 1, 2 and 3
- Restructured Administrative Teams at the Chilmark, Edgartown, and Oak Bluffs Elementary Schools and the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School
- Promoted the creation and implementation of a Safe Schools Resolution for our children of immigrant families.
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Martha's Vineyard Public Schools - MVYPS
Vineyard Haven, MA
07.2015 - 06.2022
- Directed curriculum and instruction programming for MVYPS; designed system-wide professional development to enhance staff capabilities
- Oversaw Supervision and Evaluation of MVYPS Teaching Staff
- Instituted system-wide, content specific communities of practice to foster opportunities among teachers and administrators for collaboration activities, targeted and peer professional development activities, and protocols that foster trust, supporting the growth of self-efficacy among all staff
- Oversaw the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MADESE) accountability system (MCAS) for MVPS
- Facilitated cultural responsiveness and equity initiatives in MVYPS through partnerships with community agencies, addressing cultural proficiency, student trauma, and anti-bias policies to support student well-being
- Managed application and compliance of Title I, II, III, and IV federal grants for MVYPS, ensuring alignment with educational standards and funding requirements
- Provided administrative support for MVYPS Transportation and Food Services, coordinated the distribution and delivery of meals for food insecure families across the island
Principal
Oak Bluffs Elementary School - MVYPS
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
06.2011 - 06.2015
- Led the Oak Bluffs School from a 2011 Corrective Action AYP NCLB Status (four consecutive years of underperformance) to a 2012 PPI Level 1 status (highest performance level).
- Managed the implementation of the Massachusetts Educator Evaluation System to supervise and evaluate all instructional school personnel
- Implemented and managed the Data Coach Model to accurately analyze assessments that informed our instructional initiatives in a collaborative manner
- Created, managed, and defended the annual $7,000,000 general fund budget
- Recommended for hire and managed school personnel
- Created and oversaw school improvement initiatives in collaboration with the School Advisory Council, whose membership included staff, parents, and community members
Principal
Tisbury School - MVYPS
Vineyard Haven, MA
07.2007 - 06.2011
- Managed and defended $6 million general fund budget to align resources with educational priorities
- Supervised and evaluated school personnel to enhance staff performance and development
- Created and oversaw school improvement initiatives
- Directed site-based staff development
- Analyzed assessments that informed our instructional initiatives
- Managed the implementation of updated Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks
- Oversaw maintenance and upgrades of Island's oldest school to ensure safe and conducive learning environment
Dean of Students/Assistant Principal
Tisbury School - MVYPS
Vineyard Haven, MA
07.2002 - 06.2007
- Administered and supervised Student Management and Counseling and Student Support programs, enhancing student well-being and academic success
- Managed daily staff duties and supervised student population, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment
- Supervised guidance counselors and the classroom guidance curriculum
- Created and conducted classroom guidance lessons on peer mediation, social skills, study skills, and goal setting for grades K–8, fostering personal and academic growth
- Administered the disciplinary interventions including follow-up student support
- Created and managed the daily instructional and operations schedule
University of Virginia Counseling Intern
Albemarle County Public Schools
Crozet, VA
07.2001 - 05.2002
- Facilitated individual and group counseling for children addressing self-esteem, behavioral, and academic challenges, promoting personal growth
- Provided individual and small group counseling involving a variety of issues
- Delivered classroom guidance lessons focused on goal-setting and college readiness, supporting student aspirations
- Created and conducted classroom guidance lessons involving peer mediation, social skills, study skills, and goal setting for grades 2-5
- Partnered with counselors and teachers to tailor support strategies that addressed diverse student needs
- Completed a 100 hour practicum; served as a school counselor for two 300 hour internships
History Teacher
Western Albemarle High School
Crozet, VA
07.1999 - 06.2001
- Delivered engaging grade 9 World History lessons across Advanced, Standard, and Practical levels, fostering student interest and understanding of global events
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse historical topics.
- Implemented effective teaching strategies to enhance student understanding of history.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to encourage critical thinking among students.
- Coordinated events for Freshman Class and County-Wide Student Council, enhancing student participation and community involvement
Reading Teacher
Buford Middle School
Charlottesville, VA
07.1998 - 06.1999
- Developed engaging reading lessons tailored to diverse student needs.
- Delivered direct instruction in reading and social studies for grade 7, fostering student engagement and comprehension.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects enhancing reading comprehension.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Contributed to school improvement committee meetings, collaborating on strategies to enhance overall student performance.
Social Studies Teacher
Larkspur Middle School
Virginia Beach, VA
07.1994 - 06.1998
- Taught grade 8 Civics
- Designed and implemented collaborative lessons tailored for learning disabled children, enhancing engagement and understanding
- Led Disciplinary Intervention Council to address student behavioral issues, promoting a positive school environment
- Served as liaison to facilitate communication for Freshman Transition Council
- Coached baseball team to secure two division championships, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship
- Led core team in project management meetings
Social Studies Teacher
Center for Effective Learning
Virginia Beach, VA
07.1988 - 06.1994
- Taught grade 6 World History, grade 7 American History, grade 8 Civics, and grade 9 Geography for children with severe academic and discipline issues
- Coordinated Social Studies Department to improve curriculum effectiveness, enhancing student learning outcomes.
- Guided students in academic and behavioral health, fostering their engagement and success.
- Led core team in achieving project objectives, ensuring alignment with educational goals.
Education
Doctor of Education - Education Policy, Planning, And Leadership
The College of William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA05.2019
Master of Education - Education Leadership And Organizational Management
Endicott College
Beverly, MA08.2006
Master of Education - Counselor Education
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA05.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Social Studies Education
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Blacksburg, VA05.1988
Skills
- Curriculum Development and Oversight
- Data-informed school reform
- Organizational Management
- Budget Creation and Administration
- Program Evaluation
- Transformational Leadership
- Building Collaborative Culture
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Fostering School Climate
- School Community Relations
- Effective Communication
- Staff evaluation support
Certification
- Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent PreK-12
- Principal/Assistant Principal PreK-12
- School Counselor PreK-12
- Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement
Timeline
Superintendent of Schools
Martha's Vineyard Public Schools - MVYPS
07.2022 - 06.2026
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Martha's Vineyard Public Schools - MVYPS
07.2015 - 06.2022
Principal
Oak Bluffs Elementary School - MVYPS
06.2011 - 06.2015
Principal
Tisbury School - MVYPS
07.2007 - 06.2011
Dean of Students/Assistant Principal
Tisbury School - MVYPS
07.2002 - 06.2007
University of Virginia Counseling Intern
Albemarle County Public Schools
07.2001 - 05.2002
History Teacher
Western Albemarle High School
07.1999 - 06.2001
Reading Teacher
Buford Middle School
07.1998 - 06.1999
Social Studies Teacher
Larkspur Middle School
07.1994 - 06.1998
Social Studies Teacher
Center for Effective Learning
07.1988 - 06.1994
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Social Studies Education
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Master of Education - Counselor Education
University of Virginia
Master of Education - Education Leadership And Organizational Management
Endicott College
Doctor of Education - Education Policy, Planning, And Leadership
The College of William & Mary