Conant High School welcomes new principal Michael Smith
Kaylani Ares | Conant Crier Conant High School will welcome Michael Smith as the new principal for the upcoming school year following his appointment by the District 211 Board of Education at their December meeting. Currently serving as associate principal at Fremd High School alongside Principal Mark Langer, Mr. Smith brings experience and a strong commitment to the community.
Smith has spent the past six years in D211, stating that he has long admired Conant and its reputation. “Conant High School is an amazing place because of its student-centered focus, and that will always remain the main priority,” Smith said.
For his own educational values, Smith said he is guided by communication, empowerment, humility, integrity, resilience, and respect, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving school goals and supporting both students and staff.
Smith said that empowering students and staff begins with a sense of belonging and collective responsibility.
“Student and teacher empowerment are steeped in a strong sense of belonging,” Smith said. “When the building culture is supportive and welcoming, students and staff have the opportunity to thrive. It is the responsibility of the collective to intentionally work collaboratively to foster a healthy environment.”
Smith’s interest in education began with teachers who influenced him as a student, citing two of his teachers, Mr. Lloyd at Aptakisic Junior High in Buffalo Grove and Mr. Wood at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, who inspired him to pursue a career in education. “Because they influenced my life so positively, becoming an educator was how I could repay their selfless acts,” he said.
During his time as associate principal at Fremd High School, Smith has worked closely with Principal Langer, who praised Smith’s leadership and approach to student support. “Mr. Smith is deeply student-centered in everything he does,” Langer said. “He is an excellent communicator who truly listens, stays calm in tough situations, and always keeps students and equity at the center of his work.”
Langer also noted Smith’s role in building school culture. “I hired him twice during his time at Fremd,” Langer said. “He was originally brought on as a lead interventionist and later promoted to associate principal. He builds strong relationships with students, staff, and families and contributes positively to the overall climate of the school.”
Smith said he will miss the great relationships he has formed during his time at Fremd, reflecting on his daily interactions with others.
“I will miss feeling the high energy levels that exist at The Rug during passing periods, setting up tables and chairs for staff Early Morning Work Sessions, and watching the sun rise out of my office window,” he said.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Smith was recently inducted into the Bradley University Hall of Fame as a member of its historic 2000 soccer team, “one of the most talented teams of any sport in Bradley history,” according to an article on the Bradley University website.
After college, while also teaching English, Smith continued his involvement in athletics by coaching girls’ soccer, first at East Peoria High School and then at Hinsdale Central High School. He said his coaching experience has influenced his leadership approach.
“Coaching is teaching and teaching is leading,” Smith said. “As a coach, I was demanding, direct, and driven. Those characteristics are what define me as a building leader, and the Conant community will see me embrace what works and encourage others to help continue to elevate the experience for everyone at Conant High School.”
During his transition to Conant, Smith said his early months will focus on connecting with the school community. “Over the next few months, I am eager to meet with families, students, and staff members so I can learn more about all things Conant.”
As he prepares to begin his role at Conant, Smith said one of his priorities will be continuing to identify and support what needs to be done for Conant to be a safe and welcoming space for all.
