The Smithville School District is pleased to announce the Board of Education approved a new Executive Director of Grades PK-6 and Executive Director of Grades 7-14 for the 2024-2025 school year.
The district office will reorganize following the retirement of Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services, Michelle Kratofil. Her position, along with merging the Director of Student Services position, will be replaced with an Executive Director of Grades PK-6 and Executive Director of Grades 7-14.
“These Executive Directors will manage academic and student services. This reorganization is in response to feedback from staff. The goal is that the new structure will better support students and individual needs of our elementary and secondary buildings. This allows us to address this with no additional cost,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Maus.
Denise Harwood has accepted the role of Executive Director of Grades PK-6. Mrs. Harwood has a significant history with the Smithville School District. She joined the district in 2012 as an elementary assistant principal before taking over as the lead principal of Horizon Elementary School in 2014. She is currently in her fourth year as the Director of Student Services, and served as Interim Superintendent for the 2022-2023 school year.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director of PK-6. I have loved every role I have served in over the past 12 years in the District, but I am especially excited to work closely with our administrators, facilitators, teachers and students to ensure academic and personal growth for our Warriors. Smithville is truly an exceptional district due to our wonderful students, staff, and community support,” Harwood said.
Harwood received her bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University, a master's degree from William Woods University, and educational specialist in leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri.
Mrs. Harwood will begin her new role as Executive Director of Grades PK-6 on July 1, 2024. Thank you for your continued service to the Smithville School District, Mrs. Harwood!