Dr. Garett Smith is a visionary leader who has worked at every level in public education: from teacher to principal to executive director to superintendent. Dr. Smith has consistently worked to build capacity in his students and staff, creating the right conditions for learning communities to thrive.

As superintendent of Staunton City Schools, he led the division through a crippling pandemic and tremendous challenges, and still transformed it into one of Virginia’s top-performing public school systems. Under his leadership, schools achieved record academic growth, expanded access and equity, and strengthened community trust through bold, compassionate, and inclusive initiatives.

Raising the Bar on Achievement

Dr. Smith’s focus on instructional excellence and continuous improvement helped formerly struggling schools regain full accreditation and state recognition. He launched the division’s Cycle of Continuous School Improvement and set high expectations for students and staff. In 2020, Staunton was named a Virginia Division of Innovation for implementing alternatives to traditional instructional practices and school structures that improve learning .

Smarter, Sustainable School Funding

Partnering with city leaders, Dr. Smith implemented a more equitable funding formula, creating stability in budgeting and boosting recruitment and hiring capacity.

Equity in Action

From closing the digital divide to ensuring every student had access to free meals, Dr. Smith made educational equity a lived value. His leadership on the high school name restoration, from Robert E. Lee to Staunton High School, and the development of the division’s equity plan propelled the division forward, closing student achievement gaps for students.

Building for the Future

Under Dr. Smith’s leadership, the community witnessed the renovation of Staunton High School, a significant CTE renovation at Shelburne Middle School, the acquisition of a new operations facility, and the expansion of STEM and CTE programs that prepare students for today’s careers.

Supporting Every Student

From alternative suspension centers to personalized success plans and mental health partnerships, Dr. Smith created systems of support to help every student stay on track and thrive.

Culture That Cares

With the launch of the Kindness Matters campaign, Dr. Smith infused the division and the city of Staunton with empathy and compassion, building a culture of respect and community pride.

Investing in Educators

Through innovations like SCS University and family-friendly benefits such as staff childcare and a teacher-focused calendar, Dr. Smith prioritized the well-being and development of staff.

Rooted in Sustainability

Dr. Smith forged enduring partnerships to promote environmental stewardship, school gardens, and outdoor learning, planting not just trees, but a sustainable future.