Jacob Smith, who has served as the NLRSD Executive Director of Human Resources, has begun a new role in the district as the Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement Network (B). Approved by the North Little Rock Board of Education, this new role was created to better support students and families and boost achievement across the district.
In this position, Smith will provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to the leaders and functions on the following campuses: Crestwood Elementary School, Glenview Elementary School, Lakewood Elementary School, Meadow Park Elementary School, North Little Rock 6 Academy of Agricultural & Veterinary Sciences (formerly Seventh Street Elementary School), North Little Rock Middle School - Sixth Grade Campus, and North Little Rock Middle School - Seventh & Eighth Grade Campus.
As the Executive Director of Human Resources, Smith was responsible for directing employment functions for the school district. This role included hiring, benefits administration, and ensuring that all employment practices align with district goals and comply with state and federal laws. Prior to joining the district level, Smith served as the assistant director for the Conway Area Career Center and an assistant principal at Conway High School. During Smith’s first stint in the NLRSD, he served as an assistant principal at the North Little Rock High School Sophomore Campus and co-lead principal of the North Little Rock High School Freshman Academy. Smith’s career in education began in the Pulaski County Special School District as a mathematics teacher.
“I love the North Little Rock School District, and I am looking forward to this opportunity. I believe in our staff and students, and I want to do my part in ensuring that our students become the global leaders and thinkers of tomorrow,” Smith said.
Smith is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Harding University. He earned a Juris Doctorate focused on educational law and intellectual property from the William H. Bowen School of Law at UA Little Rock. He has two master’s degrees – one in Secondary Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and one in Educational Leadership – from Arkansas State University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Central Arkansas.