Warren County Career Center hires Springfielder

The Warren County Vocational School District Board of Education selected Smith from a pool of 22 applicants. He was offered a three-year contract effective June 1 with an annual salary of $115,000.

“I am pleased to be moving forward with Rick as our new superintendent. I think he will be a great asset for our district and for the community,” said Board President Bobbie Grice. “We felt Mr. Smith’s experience in career-tech and his philosophy of education were the right fit for continuing the work here at WCCC.”

Smith, 54, has 16 years of experience in career-technical education, most recently as the superintendent of Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center.

“It is tough to leave Clark County and its students and staff,” he said. “I have enjoyed my seven years here and have made some great partnerships. I will miss them, but I know the district is in a good place, and that they will continue the great work they do.”

During his tenure, Smith focused on improving student performance measures. A literacy program was initiated across all curricula, a new student-mentoring program was implemented to engage students with community members, and new partnerships were created.

The Ohio native graduated from Upper Sandusky High School in 1980. He earned his bachelors degree in social studies from Minnesota State University, his Master of Youth Development from Concordia University, his principal license at the University of Findley and his superintendent license through Ashland University.

Smith started his career teaching at a juvenile detention center in Marion. In 2001, he was hired at TriRivers Career Center in Marion as a social studies teacher and in 2003 was promoted to building administrator. In 2007, he was hired at Tolles Tech in Plain City as a building administrator. In 2010, he joined Springfield-Clark as executive director before being named interim superintendent in March 2012 and hired as superintendent in May 2012.

“Career Tech is really the best game in town,” he said. “Students have a triple-threat advantage. They are prepared for college if they want to go on for more education, they are, of course, prepared for a career, and they gain life skills training that they can use the rest of their lives.”

In his new role, Smith will first focus on meeting school staff, partner school districts, business leaders and community members.

“My other priorities include getting up to speed on our building projects and fiscal needs and getting to know the successes of WCCC, so I can continue and build upon all the successes,” he said.

Smith and his wife Mary plan to move from Beavercreek to Warren County. When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his six grown children, playing golf, supporting the Buckeyes, reading and traveling.

“I am very excited to be joining the Warren County Career Center family. There are great things happening here, and I’m excited to be a part of them,” Smith said. “While I know it was a tough choice between myself and the other candidates, and I know (superintendent Maggie Hess’) shoes will be tough to fill, I am honored the WCCC Board has put their trust in me.”