A new school year always brings lots of new faces and this fall there will be one in the Clarkson Elementary front office as Adam Smith takes the reins as principal.
The 17-year education veteran follows current principal Shannon Cates who will move into a new role as district instructional coordinator. Cates has led the school since the 2017-18 school year.
While Smith has spent his career in Hart County, he’s no stranger to the Clarkson community. He and his wife Lindsay, a Big Clifty native, live in the Horntown area. Daughters Lucy, a 5th grader, and Leah, 2nd grade, currently attend Clarkson.
With those connections already in place, Smith says he is “beyond excited and honored to join Clarkson Elementary and Grayson County Schools. I look forward to beginning a new journey in a new building and district.”
Smith comes to his new role from a six-year stint at Munfordville Elementary, where he has served as principal since 2022. He was named Assistant Principal in 2018, with responsibilities that also included school safety and technology. He previously taught at both Memorial and LeGrande elementary schools, serving in a variety of leadership roles at both.
He’s excited about his new opportunity to work with Clarkson teachers, staff and families, and in his home community.
“I'm looking forward to continuing the great work that is already happening by Mrs. Cates and the staff of Clarkson, as well as working with stakeholders to find more opportunities to grow and promote student success,” said Smith.
He noted that success looks different for everyone, so “building relationships with students and staff to help define what success looks like for each person will be an important first step I intend to take.”
He expressed thanks for the warm welcome and support he’s received since being hired. “I look forward to meeting everyone soon and hitting the ground running in the coming months.”
Smith earned his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and master's degree from Campbellsville University, and Rank 1, Principal Certification, from WKU.