05/23/12 Dr. Rodger Smith will officially call himself “retired” at the end of the current school year. Smith came to the Plymouth School Corporation as assistant superintendent in August of 2008.

Referring to his various positions with several school corporations, Smith said, “I am so very fortunate to have been permitted to serve these school communities over the course of my career.  Although they have all have been great places to work, PCSC has been a special place to continue to contribute while not having to shoulder final responsibility.  This Board and Superintendent, this Administrative Team, this School Community will always be special to me.”

In a nineteen-year period as assistant superintendent and superintendent, Dr. Smith directed nine building projects, totaling $51m+ ($100m+in current dollars), all on time and budget. Projects ranged from ADA accommodations to complete new structure design and implementation.

    During his long career he served as director of business and human resources for the East Porter County School Corporation (1 year), executive director of the Northeast Indiana Education Service Center and executive director for the Northeast Indiana School Study Council (9years).

Dr. Smith used his experience and expertise to lead the East Noble School Corporation as superintendent (9 years) and John Glenn School Corporation as superintendent (5 years). During the same period of time, he was an adjunct instructor for graduate level courses at Indiana and Purdue University Extension campuses.

Prior to moving up to superintendent positions, he was a high school principal (3 years), assistant principal (4 years). and a classroom teacher (6 years.)

He received both a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Government (1969) and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University (1971). In 1977, he successfully earned a Specialist in Education Degree from Indiana University and in 1982, was awarded a Doctorate of Education, also from Indiana University.

He holds a life Indiana Certification in the following: Administration and Supervision, Superintendent; Administration and Supervision, Secondary; Teaching, Economics and Government.

Among his long list of accomplishments was being named the 2005 Recipient of Outstanding Leadership and Contribution to Education Award presented by the Indiana University School Administrators Association.

Much of his accomplishments stem from his belief that a successful administer must lead by example and always “expect the best”. He said, “I expect more of myself and thus enable others to expect and achieve more. The diverse needs of a school community are best met by expecting staff and students to set lofty goals and by providing them with the means to achieve. High expectation fosters high achievement.”

Plymouth Schools Superintendent Daniel Tyree said, “His expertise has been invaluable to the Plymouth School Corporation.” He added, “We hate to see him leave, but we understand it’s sometimes time to retire.”

Smith makes his home in Knox with his wife Gayle. Their extended family includes a daughter, son-in-law and grandson.

Carol Anders Correspondent