Partnership Principal Paul Smith 

     When I walk into the school building in the morning and my attitude isn’t revved up yet and a student says, “How are things going, Mr. Smith;” it changes my whole attitude, and I know it’s going to be a pretty nice day.”

     That sums up why Paul Smith, principal of Utah’s Layton High has held that position for 26 years—a job that he concedes is “life-controlling.”

     There are so many facets of this job that it’s difficult to become tired of any one,” he explains. “But the best part has to be the people, especially the students.”

     The former Utah Principal of the Year works in a diverse school for his state and has focused much attention on developing an accepting climate and bringing the best possible teachers to Layton High, which was named a 21st Century School in 1998-2001 and Utah’s Centennial School for 1995-97.

     Being at the doorstep of Hill Air Force Base, Layton High receives students of families from throughout the United States. Unlike other schools in Utah, whose student bodies are heavily Mormon, Layton’s youngsters come from religions such as Catholic, Protestant, Presbyterian, and Buddhism.

     “We have worked hard to establish a climate where students are accepting of and appreciate other people,” Smith says. “And, we believe that provides our students a real advantage. They have the chance to rub shoulders with youngsters from other backgrounds and develop a better sense of what the world is like.”

     He recalls that one of the local LDS seminary teachers has enrolled his youngsters at Layton so they can associate with students from other backgrounds.

     Smith’s biggest challenge comes in hiring teachers since he believes they “make the school hum.”

     “I know that great teachers and great programs result in a great school,” he says. “My most important job is to hire the best teachers I can get and give them the environment in which they can deliver the best instruction.”

     In his mind two important keys to hiring the best are being upbeat about the school and providing a mentoring program.

     “As a principal, you have to be proud of your school when you are recruiting new teachers. I assure them they are joining a prestigious staff and that we have facilities where they will be comfortable and able to do their jobs. I also tell them that we have great students and that our students are a fun group to be with.”

     Once hired, new teachers are quickly involved in a mentor program designed to make sure they have a successful experience.

     “When I call them and offer the job, I say ‘We would like to have you come and teach with us’. We want them to feel welcomed. From that point on we have a concerted effort to make that teacher comfortable.”

     New teachers are assigned a veteran teacher as a mentor and Smith assures that they have all the information they need—from where the restrooms are to the student management procedures. He introduces them during face to face meetings with the key people around the school, ranging from secretaries to custodians to media specialists to faculty committee members, and discussions are held as to how each individual can support the new teacher.

     Layton High also has a unique relationship between the administration and student leaders, according to Smith.

     “Student government members at Layton feel respected and feel comfortable in dealing with the administration and faculty. And, I want them to feel that way. Their ideas are important to me, and I want them to see that I‘m not controlling them.”

     Layton High commits two class periods to leadership classes—one for the student body and class officers and a second for those officers plus a broader group of club presidents and classroom representatives. Smith attends the larger meeting. Among other responsibilities, the student leaders develop a theme for the school during the summer, and that theme is the focus for many activities during the following year.

     While there are numerous successful programs operating at Layton High, Smith is always looking for more ideas and finds The Principals’ Partnership an “unequalled” opportunity for school leaders to learn.

     “Unlike some recognition programs for principals where only one from a state is brought to a seminar, The Partnership is like developing an army,” he reports. “The Summer Institute is especially a great opportunity. The content, design and intimacy of the Institute results in better effects that many national meetings I attend. It’s one of the best opportunities in which I’ve been involved.”

     While Smith understands that the life of a principal is demanding, he also is committed to having fun every day.

     “What more can you ask for than to be with kids—to see their moments of brilliance? You know you are making a difference.”

     More information about Layton High can be found on the school’s Web site, www.davis.k12.ut.us/lhs, and Smith can be contacted at [email protected].