Title
Resolution in Recognition of Dr. Jeffery O. Smith
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
To approve the Resolution in Recognition of Jeffery O. Smith.
Recommendation:
Rec
To approve the Resolution in Recognition of Jeffery O. Smith.
Body
WHEREAS, Dr. Jeffery Smith has served as Hampton City Schools Superintendent since July 15, 2015;
WHEREAS, prior to joining the Hampton team, he served as Superintendent of the Town of West Point Public Schools;
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Dr. Smith, Hampton City Schools has attained its highest level of academic success in decades. In 2019, for the first time in Hampton City Schools history, 100 percent of the division’s schools became fully accredited without conditions;
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith played a key role in the development of the Academies of Hampton which provide young people with opportunities based on high-demand and high-wage jobs aligned with regional and state workforce data. The Academies of Hampton prepare our youth to be college, career and life ready and have been recognized as models for future academies across the country;
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith believes in community engagement and is an active member of many local boards, including Sentara Healthcare, Smart Beginnings of the Virginia Peninsula, Virginia Air & Space Science Center, VersAbility Resources, C&F Bank, and YMCA of Virginia Peninsulas;
WHEREAS, he also served as President of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) from May 2018 until May 2019 and as the Superintendent-In-Charge for New Horizons Regional Education Centers from July 2017 until June 2019. He is a 2017-18 graduate of the Civic Leadership Institute and a member of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), Region V of Go Virginia Council, and the Board of Trustees for the Williamsburg Health Foundation;
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith is the recipient of many awards and recognitions, among them the recipient of Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) Virginia Superintendent of the Year Award (2020); Region II Superintendent of the Year; Hampton University’s Presidential Award for Outstanding Citizenship (2023); the Peninsula Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Peninsula Humanitarian Award (February 2019); Mary Peake Award for Excellence in Education Equity (2020); and the Virginia District Exchange Club Distinguished Virginia Award (2021-2022);
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith is married to Dr. Lorianne Smith and has two adult children, Lauren and Joshua; and
WHEREAS, for the past eight years, Dr. Smith has delicately balanced his time with his family and congregation while working diligently and generously giving his time and talents to support the mission of Hampton City Schools to ensure academic excellence for every child, every day, whatever it takes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia, that
Dr. Jeffery O. Smith be, and hereby is, recognized and shall be presented with the Distinguished Citizen Award for his commitment to Hampton City Schools and the City of Hampton.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the June 14, 2023, City Council meeting of the City of Hampton, Virginia, and that an appropriate copy be signed by the Mayor, attested by the Clerk, and presented to Dr. Jeffery O. Smith.