Sammy Smith has wanted to be a middle school principal since she was a middle school student in Wheaton. She will achieve her goal next year; the Community Consolidated School District 89 Board of Education unanimously approved Smith to be the next principal of Glen Crest Middle School during Monday’s board meeting.
Since the 2023-24 school year, Smith has been the assistant principal at Glen Crest.
“I love Glen Crest. I love our students, our families, our teachers, and our community,” Smith said. “I’m extremely excited to continue working with the students and staff here. I feel like our school is in a great place, and I want to continue that.”
While at Glen Crest, Smith has supervised student services, created and implemented professional development for staff, developed safety drills and procedures, monitored attendance, assisted with scheduling, and managed discipline issues. She celebrates student success through the creation of the Bright Blue Awards and pep assembly recognition.
“Sammy is such a positive, hard-working person. She’s ready to continue the momentum we’ve seen at Glen Crest with academic performance and collaborative culture,” said CCSD 89 superintendent Doug Eccarius. “She builds amazing relationships with students, staff, and parents.”
Smith cares deeply about making school a place where kids look forward to going to each day.
“The students are the reason we’re here, and I always put them first in my decisions,” Smith said. “I want students to feel safe, supported, and celebrated.”
Prior to joining CCSD 89, Smith was the assistant principal of Fischer Middle School in Aurora for nine years. Her responsibilities at Fischer included oversight of curriculum and instruction, evaluating staff, schedule planning, organizing assessments, and encouraging positive student behavior.
Prior to that, Smith taught French, English language arts, intro to world language, and study skills at Fischer. She was also a team leader, technology liaison, club sponsor, and member of the School Climate Committee.
Smith earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and master’s degree in School Improvement Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. Smith and her husband have a second-grade son. She and her family enjoy hiking, camping, and traveling.
Smith will replace Brett McPherson, who was recently named principal of Oswego East High School.