DR. GREG SMITH TO LEAD FAST GROWTH SCHOOL COALITION
AUSTIN, TEXAS (Aug. 13, 2020)--The Fast Growth School Coalition, a statewide organization representing the collective voice of Texas’ fastest growing school districts, today announced its new Executive Director, Dr. Greg Smith.
Dr. Smith, currently Superintendent of Clear Creek ISD, joins FGSC, effective Jan. 1, 2021. He replaces Dr. Guy Sconzo, who lost his battle with cancer earlier this year.
“Dr. Smith is the right leader for our coalition during this especially challenging time for our state’s fastest growing school districts and across public education more broadly,” said Dr. Doug Killian, President of Fast Growth School Coalition and Superintendent of Pflugerville ISD. “He’s been in the trenches with us as a superintendent at two fast growth districts over the past two decades. The breadth and depth of Dr. Smith’s experience locally and at the State Capitol is a tremendous asset to FGSC and our member districts.”
Dr. Smith will continue his work at Clear Creek ISD through the end of the year, supporting his students, teachers and administrators as the district navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Smith affirmed his commitment to the district and to ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership at Clear Creek ISD.
“Fast Growth School Coalition provides a unique opportunity for me to apply my knowledge and experience at the district level for the benefit of all of our districts at the State Capitol. It will be a privilege to take the helm of FGSC in the New Year, and bring additional learnings and experience from our work at Clear Creek as we navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19 on our schools, our students, our faculty and our facilities,” said Dr. Smith.
Of the multitude of new students enrolled in Texas public schools every year, the vast majority are concentrated in roughly 75 of the state’s more than 1,200 public school districts statewide. These fast growth schools tend to be located in areas of the state with rapid economic growth, business expansion and significant increases in population.
“Increasing state funding for new facilities to ensure our fast growth districts can meet the needs of their community remains a challenge. While House Bill 3 did make progress in providing additional support for the state’s public school system, more is needed. COVID-19 and the unpredictable environment only add to the budget challenges and financial concerns facing all Texas school districts,” said Dr. Smith.
“Our message remains clear. Fast growth school districts are not only delivering high-quality public education and preparing our students for the future workforce, but our districts are an integral part of Texas’ larger economy, creating and sustaining jobs, driving construction and infrastructure investment, and attracting additional business relocation and expansions,” Dr. Smith added.
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About Fast Growth School Coalition
For more than two decades, the Fast Growth School Coalition (FGSC, fastgrowthtexas.org) educates and advocates for investment in the state’s fastest growing school districts to deliver the high-quality education Texas students and taxpayers deserve. For a complete list of fast growth school districts, visit http://fastgrowthtexas.org/member-districts/. Follow Fast Growth School Coalition on Twitter, @FastGrowthTexas.
Media contact: Jennifer Harris jharris (at) jwhcommunications.com
