An experienced administrator will be joining Glen Crest Middle School as assistant principal in the 2023-24 school year. Samantha “Sammy” Smith, who is currently the assistant principal of Fischer Middle School in Aurora, was hired by the Community Consolidated School District 89 Board of Education at a meeting on June 19.
Smith has worked at Fischer since the school opened 14 years ago. During her five years as a classroom teacher, she taught French, English language arts, intro to world language, and study skills. She was also a team leader, technology liaison, club sponsor, and member of the School Climate Committee.
Smith has been Fischer’s assistant principal for the last nine years. As assistant principal, her primary responsibilities included oversight of curriculum and instruction, evaluating staff, schedule planning, organizing assessments, and encouraging positive student behavior.
Incoming CCSD 89 superintendent Doug Eccarius said Smith is a hard-working school leader who will build great relationships with students, staff, and families.
“She is a positive, dedicated, and creative educator who truly believes all students can grow and succeed,” Eccarius said.
Smith is familiar with the Glen Crest area; she grew up in the Briarcliffe neighborhood, about one block outside CCSD 89 boundaries. She’s known she wanted to be a middle-school administrator since she was a student at Hubble Middle School in Warrenville. Smith’s mother led the parent-teacher council, and Smith would often tag along to the school’s front offices and watch the principal.
“He was always talking with teachers and I loved how he got to work in all the different areas of the school,” Smith said. “I was interested in all the programs they were putting in place.”
Smith is excited to join a close-knit district where she can make connections with teachers at all different levels. She wants students to know that their educational and social-emotional needs will be her first priority.
“I want everyone to feel safe, supported, and comfortable coming into school,” Smith said. “I truly care about these students, the Glen Crest staff, and this community.”
Eccarius, incoming Glen Crest principal Brett McPherson, and Glen Crest staff members were part of the interview team that selected Smith.
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 son who will be starting kindergarten next year. She and her family enjoy camping.