Hamilton County Superintendent Rick Smith is seen in this file photo.More than halfway into his first year on the job, Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith seems to be pleasing his boss, the board of education.
Superintendent evaluations from all nine board members, released this week, show Smith is meeting or beating their expectations. The board gave the superintendent high marks for understanding the needs of the school system, devoting time effectively to the job, serving as an effective spokesman for the board and dressing professionally.
Smith’s lowest overall scores were in issues of communication and planning. The evaluations showed room for improvement in keeping the board and community informed of progress and plans, developing an overall plan that includes strategies, goals and projected outcomes and seeking staff and public opinions on proposed policies and reporting those findings to the board.
Smith was evaluated in February after starting the job in June. Board members bought out the contract of five-year Superintendent Jim Scales in May, then elected to fast-track Smith, a former science teacher, principal and central office administrator with nearly three decades of education experience, to the post.
Board attorney Scott Bennett said the superintendent is supposed to be evaluated around the same time each year to help in planning for the upcoming year.