Dr. Smith Accepts Offer as Paris Superintendent

In January, the Paris R-II School District concluded their search for the next superintendent. The Paris R-II School District is proud to announce that Dr. Matt Smith has accepted the offer to join the Coyote team. Board President Aaron Eckman stated, "I am excited to welcome Dr. Smith to the Paris R-II School District. Dr. Smith is a well respected man, and has a vast amount of knowledge and experience in public education. I feel he will do a wonderful job in overseeing the day to day operations within our district. I know for certain he will do what is best for all of the students. Welcome back to Coyote Country! As the board president, a father, and a community member I am very proud of the Paris R-II faculty and school district. We have a great school district, and the deep pool of applicants reflects that statement."

Dr. Smith is currently the principal at Centralia High School and is no stranger to Paris as he served as principal during the 2011-2012 school year. Dr. Smith expressed, "It is an honor to be introduced as the new Superintendent for the Paris R-II School District. I want to thank the Board of Education for this humbling opportunity. I was fortunate to begin my administrative career as the Principal at Paris MS/HS in the fall of 2011. I know firsthand, from that tremendously fulfilling experience, the strength of the Paris community, the commitment of the Paris R-II faculty and staff, and the incredible achievement capacity of the students of the Paris R-II School District."

Dr. Matt Smith earned degrees from Truman State University in Exercise Science and a Master of Arts in Education. Dr. Smith went on to earn his Master of Education in Administration, Educational Specialist in Administration, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from William Woods University. Dr. Smith brings 28 years of classroom and administrative experience to the Paris R-II School District.

Over the next several months, Dr. Vitt and the Paris Coyote team will work with Dr. Smith to transition to the 2024-2015 school year. Dr. Smith voiced his eagerness to lead the district, "I look forward, with great excitement, to reconnecting with the incredibly talented people I already know in the community and District, and to developing new relationships within both the school and community, all in the pursuit of providing our students the very best educational experience."

Dr. Smith will officially step into the role on July 1, 2024 following the retirement of Dr. Aaron Vitt.