Belton ISD's board of trustees unanimously selected Smith at a Jan. 27 meeting, according to a BISD press release.
"Matt’s career in public education started in the classroom and his experience demonstrates a true passion for leading effective teams dedicated to improving student outcomes," BISD President Suzanne McDonald said in a press release. "We believe he will embrace and enhance our district’s culture as we grow and shape the future of our students and community.”
State law requires a 21-day waiting period before a finalist can be hired, according to LISD. Belton ISD trustees plan to vote on Smith's contract at their Feb. 17 meeting.
“I am humbled to be named the Lone Finalist for the Belton ISD superintendent of schools,” Smith said in the BISD press release. “BISD has a proud history of doing amazing things for students and I cannot wait to join the team. At the same time I am extremely proud of our students, staff, and leaders in LISD. I know that Dr. Gearing and the Board of Trustees will continue to do amazing things for each and every student in the district. I will always be a proud supporter of their work and look forward to leading alongside them in the future.”
A 19-school district approximately 50 miles north of LISD’s Leander office, BISD enrolls over 10,000 students, according to the BISD website.
Smith has served as LISD’s chief of staff since 2017 after two years as chief academic officer, according to the BISD press release. Smith worked at Hillsboro School District in Oregon from 2010-15 and started his career as an English teacher in Virginia.
He and his wife, Heather, have two daughters, Hailey, 16, and Summer, 13.
“Matt has been an indispensable part of our leadership team and has done an outstanding job as our Chief of Staff,” LISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing said in an LISD press release. “I want to personally thank Matt for his leadership and wish him well as he starts his new journey in Belton. I look forward to working with Dr. Smith as a peer superintendent.”
Smith’s last day at his current job will be Feb. 28, according to LISD.
