Evansville, Ind. — Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) Superintendent Dr. David Smith delivered his annual State of the Schools address on Tuesday, marking the final time he would speak to the community in this capacity before his retirement later this year. The address, which covered a wide range of topics, touched on the district’s budget, daily operations, and the ongoing search for his successor.
In his remarks, Dr. Smith highlighted the scope and scale of EVSC’s operations, emphasizing its status as the third-largest school corporation in the state. He took a moment to express his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the district, noting, “I am blessed to work with outstanding people who love kids, and spend every day in a noble and worthy effort to make lives better.”
Despite his positive outlook, Dr. Smith acknowledged the challenges that still lie ahead for the district, particularly when it comes to funding. He expressed concern over the district’s place at the lower end of national funding rankings, stressing the importance of adequate financial support for teachers and staff. “You can’t be towards the bottom of the nation and still value teachers and employees like we need to,” Dr. Smith remarked, underlining the strain on resources despite the dedication of the staff.
In a moment of recognition, Dr. Smith presented merit awards to teachers and students who had achieved outstanding accomplishments, underscoring the district’s commitment to academic excellence. As he wrapped up his speech, he offered words of confidence for the future, stating that EVSC was in capable hands with his successor, who will take over upon his retirement on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Smith’s tenure has been marked by growth and improvement in the district, but as he steps down, the conversation about how to address ongoing funding challenges and the evolving needs of the district will remain at the forefront. As the EVSC community prepares for the leadership transition, many are hopeful that the strong foundation Dr. Smith has helped build will guide the district to even greater heights in the years to come.
