Smith named top high school principal in Kansas

NHS Principal Caleb Smith takes a pie in the face fundraising for the Sunshine Club last year. Smith created the club and a number of other initiatives in his two years at Newton in order to improve culture within the school district and community. The Kansas Principals Association honored that effort by awarding Smith the Kansas Principal of the Year award for secondary education.

By Adam Strunk

Newton High School Principal Caleb Smith is top of the class in Kansas.

On Monday morning, USD-373 announced Smith had been named the 2022 Kansas principal of the year by the Kansas Principals Association.  As previously written, Smith was a finalist for the state’s top designation among all secondary principals. 

“Mr. Smith has done an outstanding job of trying to create an amazing culture at Newton High School and within the Newton communities, and it shows,” Superintendent Fred Van Ranken said in a district press release. “I am so happy for Caleb to be recognized at the state level for what he and his team are doing at USD-373.”

Smith came to NHS in 2020 from the Valley Center School District, where he’d worked since 2013. During his time in Newton, Smith has implemented multiple initiatives aimed at improving school culture as well as strengthening school bonds. He spearheaded the creation of a student advocacy group to give students more of a voice in the district. He organized the Sunshine Club, a group of students that undertakes positive actions within the district as well as the community at large. He’s also a regular face at most high school events with a camera in hand. Such work has helped publications such as Harvey County Now further highlight local student actions.

“Caleb is a strong leader that you see his passion, his leadership in so many ways,” said Cara Ledy, executive director for Kansas Principals Association. “Whether it’s through working with students, working with staff, leading technology initiatives and he’s always willing to share with others.”

The district notified Smith of the award following a scavenger hunt with clues. A group of staff awaited Smith’s arrival to the school media center for the big reveal, according to the school district. 

Smith will represent Kansas in Washington, D.C., later this year where he’ll visit with Kansas representation on needs and issues in education.

We reached out to Smith and will update our coverage in the paper when he has time to call us back.

 

 

 

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