By Desiree Williams

Pleasant View Elementary students will see a new face while walking through the halls this year. Stacy Smith began her role as principal July 1.

“Having this opportunity to basically lead a building has just been a goal of mine for a long time, and it’s just very special to achieve that goal,” she said. “I’ve always loved the Zionsville community.”

Smith attended Ball State University for her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s degree in administration. She also acquired an educational specialist degree and superintendent’s license. Smith is a student in the doctoral program at Ball State, which she hopes to complete in one year.

After graduating in 1993, Smith traveled to the Dominican Republic to start her career teaching middle school. She then taught in Georgia and Tennessee before returning to Indiana to teach elementary students.

“In my opinion, it’s the best way to impact the future,” said Smith, a Carmel resident.

Smith taught third grade in Carmel and worked as an instructional coach within the district. For the last four years, she was the assistant principal at Cherry Tree Elementary.

“I love how excited and open and passionate (elementary students) are and how they love to learn,” she said.

Smith said she is excited to build relationships with the staff and families within the Zionsville community and continue to extend services to youth.

“My view is becoming a team, becoming a family that’s focused on what the needs are of our kids and just moving them forward,” she said. “That’s really my goal.”

MEET STACY SMITH

Age: 46

Hometown: Danville, Ind.

Favorite pastime: Travel, exercise

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere in the Mediterranean

Favorite school subject: Literacy

Favorite piece of advice: The Golden Rule, “Together we can accomplish anything”