Staunton City Schools announces the retirement of Superintendent Garett Smith, effective June 30, after eight years of service to the school division and 30 years as an educator.
In a message to SCS staff today, Smith said the decision was made with his family foremost in mind.
“I promise you that this has not been an easy decision, but it is one that we’ve made as a family. As anyone knows who’s been on a leadership journey, you miss out on lots of things with family and friends along the way. The good news is, I feel like it’s not too late to get some of that time back.”
Under Smith’s leadership, SCS achieved record academic growth, rising from 105th to 43rd place in state rankings and earning the No. 1 spot in Virginia for improvement in Standards of Learning pass rates from 2018 to 2023. SCS now ranks in the top 1/3 of all school divisions in Virginia.
The division’s graduation rate hit a high mark of 93 percent in 2024, and multiple schools closed achievement gaps with essentially no difference in performance across all student demographics, regardless of race, socioeconomic status or ability. SCS was also ranked among Virginia’s top 10 percent of school divisions in 2024 as a “Good Place to Work.”
“Dr. Smith’s leadership has raised the profile of our schools and strengthened our entire community. He embodies everything you want in an exceptional leader: an advocate for justice and fairness and a compassionate and tireless problem-solver who leads by example. He has made it a point to know nearly every staff member and the majority of our 2,700 students by name. His ability to personally connect with them is rare and invaluable. He is an ever-present support in our schools, always willing to stand up for what’s best for our students and staff,” School Board Chair Kristin Siegel said.
She added that Smith believes all students, regardless of background or challenges, are valuable and capable of high achievement.
“His bold leadership has been transformative, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation that will endure long after his departure,” Siegel said.
Smith expressed his deep pride in the collective accomplishments of SCS staff and students in his message to staff.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my eight years working with such an excellent team in SCS. I’m very proud of all of your accomplishments as well as the successes of our students. People in other professions are lucky to be able to develop relationships with dozens of colleagues and clients over the course of their careers. Educators, through effective relationship building, have the opportunity to impact the lives of literally thousands of colleagues and “clients.” That’s what sets us apart and makes our profession the greatest one of all,” Smith said.
The search for his successor begins immediately. In the coming days, the school board will establish a timeline and process for recruiting a new superintendent.
Also during Smith’s tenure, former Staunton School Board Chair Natasha McCurdy was accused of embezzlement and money laundering from the A.R. Ware Elementary School PTA.
In 2017 to 2018, Smith guided the school system during the renaming of Robert E. Lee High School to Staunton High School.
In 2019, Staunton was the first Virginia school division to fully bridge the digital divide with free hotspots and Chromebooks for all families who needed them.
In 2020, Smith oversee renovations of Staunton High and then of expanded STEM and CTE labs at Shelburne Middle School in 2024.
In 2021, Smith launched the Kindness Matters campaign (2021), including a Kindness Fund, Kindness Ambassador award program, and Kindness Matters Walkathon to nurture respect and empathy in Staunton schools and the community.
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Rebecca Barnabi
