Mike Smith began serving in leadership roles in 1981 as President of the TAPHERD chapter at Texas Tech University. He has worked as a Superintendent of Schools for 15 years. He has lead small rural, fast growth urban, and large urban districts in facilities planning, demographic planning, construction projects, and most importantly improved student performance. He has overseen annual budgets of over $50 million and managed over $500 million in total assets. Mike was the lead in an electronic textbook project in Forney ISD and provided leadership in gaining relief from a desegregation order in New Braunfels ISD. Mike has provided leadership development, strategic planning, and curriculum and instruction analysis and planning which lead to increased student success on state mandated performance measures. He has helped put together finance plans and budgets that have allowed school districts to remain financially sound. Mike has worked with legislators in analysis and development of public school legislation in every legislative session since 1994. Mike was a part of multiple bond elections to finance school construction and helped secure improved bond ratings. He has helped with the development of technology based professional development programs that have provided efficient use of district resources and helped improve student learning. Mike has served as President of a state wide association of school districts.

Before helping create Education Solutions & Services, Inc. Mike was Superintendent of the New Braunfels ISD. Prior to serving in the New Braunfels ISD, Mike was Superintendent of the Forney ISD and served as the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations prior to becoming Superintendent. Also, he and his family owned and operated a cattle ranching operation for over 10 years.

Mike Smith holds Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Texas Tech University and a Master of Education from Sul Ross State University. Additionally, Mike has graduate hours from the Superintendent’s Academy at Lamar University. He is certified to teach Spanish and as a campus Principal.

Dr. Hopkins retired from public education after thirty-five years as a teacher, librarian, campus administrator, and superintendent. She has served in rural and suburban districts with diverse student populations and economic circumstances. Dr. Hopkins had the unique opportunity to work directly with students from Headstart to high school, therefore she has a first hand, working knowledge of curriculum and vertical alignment.

When she was appointed as interim superintendent in Marlin ISD, the district was $1,000,000 in the red. Within three years, a TEA audit determined that the district had a $500,000 fund balance. At the end of her six years as superintendent, the district had the recommended fund balance of approximately $1,000,000 plus an additional $1,500,000 in a facilities fund. Also, a new elementary and a new middle school had been completed. The high school had undergone a $500,000 renovation financed by grant funding. Under her leadership, the board went from a very divisive and often hostile group to a group of seven who discussed issues openly and in a positive manner. Each member respected the others and knew that everyone based their decisions on the students’ best interest.

Marlin ISD was also facing a crisis in academics. Marlin High School was a recognized campus after two years of Dr. Hopkins leadership. But, an increasing low socio-economic population and increasing academic standards resulted in less than desirable test scores and ratings. Under the supervision of TEA, the district made required improvements and consistently received favorable reports.

In Forney ISD, Dr. Hopkins continued using data, focused instruction, staff development, and other proven methods to improve student achievement. At her retirement, Forney was a recognized district. She had served as principal of O. B. Johnson which received an exemplary ratings and Forney High School one indicator away from recognized.

Currently, her goal is to continue to serve students by sharing her experiences with the new leaders in public education.