INVESTING IN EDUCATORS The strategic direction of Stafford County is embodied by its leader, Smith, who was personally drawn to the district by the clarity of its strategic plan. “The number one thing that drew me to Stafford County was the strategic plan and the direction that we were headed in,” he says, highlighting its focus on postsecondary success and its explicit goal of investing in staff. Smith brings a unique, ground-level perspective to this work, with experience at every level of K-12 education. “I’ve taught kindergarten through 12th grade. I’ve been a principal at elementary, middle, secondary, and high school levels,” Smith explains.“I was very much about ensuring that there was high quality instruction in every classroom everyday, and that’s part of my focus here as superintendent,” noting his instructionally driven focus is on ensuring highquality teaching and removing barriers for educators. This commitment to human capital is operationalized through robust support systems aligned with the strategic plan’s goals. For staff, this includes coaching and a recently submitted state grant for telehealth services to support mental health. The district has also established “flight teams” involving rapidresponse units of social workers and psychologists deployed when a school experiences a crisis. This investment in its educators is a direct investment in the district’s mission, ensuring it can attract and empower the high-quality staff essential to student success. DUAL ENROLLMENT AND REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE The district’s strategic initiatives culminate in tangible, high-value opportunities for students. A significant shift toward dual enrollment is underway, with over 2,000 students participating. Critically, the district has removed the financial barrier. “All of our dual enrollment courses are free to all of our students and all of our families,” Smith states. This access is expanding into full associate degree pathways, with two new programs launching at 331 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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