It had been the goal of Josh Smith to one day become a principal, though he admitted he didn’t expect it to happen this soon. In a very short time frame, Smith went from being a social studies teacher and coach at Hartwick-Ladora-Victor High School to the principal at Keota Elementary. He interviewed for the position August 1st, was hired August 3rd, had the 4th and 5th to get his affairs in order at HLV, and started at Keota August 8th. Since then, he’s hit the ground running so that he and his staff are ready for the school year.

He claimed the transition has been made easier by the teachers and staff at the school, saying “Everybody here has been extremely supportive, knowing that I’m getting on board a bit late.” People have answered his questions about where things are and how things have been done, and he had nothing but good first impressions. Smith is currently finishing a masters degree in educational leadership from Drake University, and will graduate in December. He initially thought he wouldn’t seek a principal job until next summer, but when the Keota position became available he thought it would be a perfect fit. Keota is having a back to school night Tuesday, and Smith is looking forward to meeting the students and parents.