Bill Text: VA SR120 | 2021 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending James Smith.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2021-02-04 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR120ER) [SR120 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2021-SR120-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, James Smith retired as superintendent of Richmond County Public Schools on January 29, 2021, after nearly 35 years of service to young people as an educator and school administrator; and
WHEREAS, James "Greg" Smith holds a bachelor's degree from James Madison University, a master's degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a doctoral degree from Shenandoah University, and he began his career in education as a teacher with Stafford County Public Schools in 1985; and
WHEREAS, Greg Smith joined Louisa County Public Schools in 1989 as vocational director of Louisa County High School; he subsequently became assistant principal of the school, then served as principal from 1993 to 1996; and
WHEREAS, Greg Smith next worked for Shenandoah County Public Schools, first as principal of Central High School from 1996 to 2000, then as director of secondary education and campus supervisor until 2007, when he became superintendent of Carroll County Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure with Carroll County Public Schools, Greg Smith oversaw the development of accountability standards that helped the school division receive accreditation four times, oversaw school renovations and enhancements to classroom technology, and implemented strategies to improve student attendance through partnerships with local entities; and
WHEREAS, in addition, Greg Smith cooperated with multiple school districts to establish the Blue Ridge Crossroads Governor's Academy for Technical Education, and under his leadership Fancy Gap Elementary School and Oakland Elementary School received National Blue Ribbon School Awards; and
WHEREAS, Greg Smith ultimately joined Richmond County Public Schools as superintendent on July 1, 2012, and ably served the school division for eight years; and
WHEREAS, Greg Smith has also inspired young men and women as an adjunct professor at George Mason University and Shenandoah University; he also worked with Radford University to implement leadership development programs for aspiring school administrators; and
WHEREAS, among his many other achievements, Greg Smith helped develop Virginia Virtual Academy, the first virtual public school in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, outside of his career, Greg Smith volunteered with or supported Rotary International, Relay for Life, the Special Olympics, and many charitable events and activities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That James Smith hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement as superintendent of Richmond County Public Schools; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to James Smith as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his achievements in service to young people throughout the Commonwealth.
