Craig S. Smith

About Craig S. Smith

I am the Executive Director for Community School of Davidson, located in Davidson, North Carolina. As a K-12 school, CSD uses the principles of The Basic School to provide an optimal environment for learning. The four pillars of the Basic School are:The School as Community – The school is a community that has a shared vision topromote learning and where teachers are leaders and parents are partners.A Curriculum with Coherence – The curriculum incorporates \"Core Commonalities” oruniversal experiences shared by all people.A Climate for Learning – In order to promote an optimal learning climate, class sizesare small, teaching schedules are flexible, and student grouping arrangements arevaried.A Commitment to Character –Core virtues are taught by both word and deed and arewoven into everyday classroom experiences. Students are taught to live with a purposeand are encouraged to apply these lessons, learned through curriculum, school climateand service, to the world around them.Before joining CSD in the summer of 2024, I was the Principal of Lake Norman Charter High School (Huntersville, NC) for nine years, the longest principal tenure in the high school\'s history. Lake Norman Charter HS received a grade of \"A\" from the state of North Carolina Department of Public Instruction every year the rating was assigned. LNC was designated as a \"Top HS in America\" according to the U.S. News & World Report for all of those nine years, being included as a \"Top 500 High School\" in the country five times. Previously, I served as an Assistant Principal of Ashbrook High School (Gastonia, NC). Before entering administration, I was a successful high school math teacher, coach, and dean of students at Hopewell High School (Huntersville, NC). I earned my B.A. from Western Michigan University and my M.A. from Gardner-Webb University.Outside of CSD, I am deeply involved in education, school leadership, athletics, youth sports, physical fitness, and community engagement. I currently serve on the Western Michigan University Alumni Association Board of Directors. I am also a member of the Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission, which is an advising body to the North Carolina State Board of Education. Currently, I am serving on the NC High School Athletic Association Bylaw VI Amendment Task Force and recently completed by participation on the NCHSAA Realignment Committee, representing Region 6.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Community School Of Davidson

   Jul 2024 — Present · Davidson, NC, US

   PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES - EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP Empower and inspire staff to provide a high-quality, rigorous, educational program that is consistent with CSD’s mission and vision, driven by The Basic School Framework Oversee and continually evaluate the school’s instructional practices and curriculum Collaborate with the Board of Directors and school leaders to establish ambitious, data-driven school improvement goals encompassing student achievement, performance, and overall well-being Diligently oversee school improvement goal progress while supporting staff members in achieving and exceeding these goals and outcomes Oversee the use of data to inform instructional practice and to drive decision-making at the school Conduct comprehensive evaluations and provide effective supervision for members of the leadership team, offering constructive feedback, guidance, and support to enhance individual and collective performance, ultimately contributing to the school’s overall success and mission fulfillment Support, empower, and supervise CSD’s Upper School Principal and Lower School Principal, and byextension, indirectly all educational staff including the assistant principals, teachers, educationalassistants, school counselors, educational specialists, and Ripple Coordinator. Cultivate a positive and inclusive school environment by proactively promoting collaboration among stakeholders, fostering a sense of belonging, and prioritizing the well-being of all individuals, thereby nurturing strong, healthy relationships within the school community Regularly communicate with all stakeholders to keep them informed about the school’s overall status, including academic performance, financial health, upcoming projects, and progress towardsestablished goals, fostering transparency and engagement within the school community

Education

• Western Michigan University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Secondary Education and Teaching

  2000 — 2004

• Gardner-Webb University

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Secondary School Administration/Principalship

  2008 — 2010