For the students at Lakeland Middle School, having Christopher Smith of South Central has Assistant Principal and Principal was a transforming experience. Christopher Smith of South Central served as Assistant Principal from 1999 to 2001 and Principal from 2001 to 2006. Serving grades 6th through 8th, Christopher Smith of South Central made many different changes in Lakeland Middle School to improve learning and encourage student achievement.

During his time as Assistant Principal, Christopher Smith of South Central reformed the student handbook and created a faculty handbook to guide staff at Lakeland Middle School. Christopher Smith of South Central also organized the most successful fundraiser in the history of the school, raising $62,000. In addition, Christopher Smith of South Central implemented a new system for discipline and raised the rate of student attendance from 94.7% to 96.12%. Christopher Smith of South Central also expanded and enhanced student programs, such as the honors program for high achieving students. Additionally, Christopher Smith of South Central aided in developing curriculum and monitoring its success.

When he became Principal of Lakeland Middle School in 2001, Christopher Smith of South Central continued striving for greater success. Christopher Smith of South Central hired new faculty, supported the curriculum, and analyzed data on student performance to better help them succeed. In addition, Christopher Smith of South Central established a new remediation program based on the results of his data analysis. Importantly, Christopher Smith of South Central developed Professional Learning Communities, which consist of faculty members and are designed to align curriculum and create common assessments for all core subjects.

In discussing his time as Assistant Principal and Principal at Lakeland Middle School, Christopher Smith of South Central stated, “I am proud of the many things I was able to accomplish at Lakeland Middle School. Through my implementation of various programs and changes, students were able to learn more effectively and reach success.”

Christopher Smith of South Central left his position of Principal of Lakeland Middle School in 2006 to become Superintendent of Schools for South Central Community Schools in Union Hills, Indiana. As the superintendent, Christopher Smith of South Central continued his path of educational leadership and achievement