About our Superintendent
Dr. Matt Smith took over as the Arlington ISD superintendent on Jan. 30, 2024, after being unanimously selected by the Board of Trustees as the choice on Jan. 8, 2024.
Smith came to Arlington after spending nearly four years as the superintendent for the Belton ISD. Under Smith's leadership the district increased college, career and military readiness scores, passed the largest bond in district history, opened a second high school and established a strategic plan.
"His dedication to student achievement, innovative educational practices and fostering collaborative environments align seamlessly with Arlington ISD's vision for the future," Arlington ISD Board of Trustees president Melody Fowler said. "We know he will be a transformative leader and a great asset to the Arlington community."
Smith's initial focus as the Arlington superintendent is on four areas – celebrating the district, embracing the "Powered by Possibilities" strategic plan, creating connections and continuing to build on the already strong partnerships the Arlington ISD has in place.
His track record proves Smith is up for any task as his background includes everything from coaching to leading a district.
As the superintendent in Belton, Smith established The Penguin Project, which gives students with special needs a chance to star in a theater production. He also focused on feedback from stakeholders and improving student outcomes, with the 15 percent increase in College Career and Military Readiness points being one of the highlights.
Smith came to Belton after spending three years as the chief of staff for the Leander ISD, a district of 40,000 students. Before taking that role, Smith was the chief academic officer and assistant superintendent at Leander from 2015 to 2017.
The Leander job was Smith's first in Texas as he came here after working as the executive director of secondary schools for the Hillsboro School District in Hillsboro, Ore. Smith was a principal at Hillsboro High School in Oregon as well as Agua Fria High School in Avondale, Ariz. His first leadership job was as assistant principal at Millennium High School in Goodyear, Arizona.
Smith started his career as an English teacher and worked as a grant manager, transition school coordinator and athletic director in Arizona.
He has a bachelor's from Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Va. He went on to earn a master's in education administration and supervision from Arizona State University. Smith has a doctorate in school leadership from Concordia University.
Smith was raised in Middlesex, NY. He and his wife, Heather, have two daughters, Hailey and Summer.
