West Aurora District 129 Veteran Of 23 Years Appointed Superintendent

AURORA, IL — A new superintendent was appointed at West Aurora School District 129 during Monday night's regular Board of Education meeting.

Michael P. Smith will replace current Superintendent Jeff Craig following his retirement in June 2024. A 23-year veteran of District 129, Smith was chosen for the top spot after a seven-month internal search process conducted by the Board of Education in collaboration with an independent educational consulting group.

A dessert reception will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in the lower cafeteria of West Aurora High School, 1221 W. New York St. to introduce Smith as the next superintendent. The public is invited.

"The board is very thankful for all of the community and staff participation in our many month-long process, culminating in our decision [Monday]," Board President Richard A. Kerns II said in a statement. "We are extremely excited for Dr. Mike Smith and his accession to rising superintendent and look forward to his transition to be the full superintendent."

Currently, Smith serves as assistant superintendent of human resources, where he oversees all collective bargaining agreements with the five unions representing the district's employees, whose hiring he oversees. He also serves on the superintendent's executive leadership team, offering input related to district initiatives and organizational management decisions.

Until Craig's retirement, the administrator will continue in his current role while also preparing to transition, officials said.

Prior to assistant superintendent, Smith spent three years working as the district's director — and later executive director — of human resources. He also spent a combined 11 years serving as assistant principal of McCleery and Smith elementary schools as well as principal of Fearn and Schneider elementary schools.

He began his career as a fifth-grade teacher at Nicholson Elementary School.

Smith said he's "proud to be a role model for School District 129's diverse student population and to continue the district’s mission of fostering equity and opportunity for all students," according to a news release.

"I want to thank the Board of Education for affording me the opportunity to continue my service to the students, staff, and community of West Aurora School District 129 via this new role," Smith said in a statement. "I truly value the support of my family, the guidance from leadership I have had, and the partnership of those with whom I have been blessed to have worked with over the years. I am excited to be a part of the team that will look to build on the solid foundation that has been established under the leadership of Dr. Craig."

Smith holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Judson University as well as master's and doctor's degrees, both in educational administration, from Aurora University.