Jason Smith has been named the new District Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools as previous coordinator Karen Alward retired on June 1.
Smith’s responsibilities in this role will include providing support for fine and performing arts throughout the district while working closely with school personnel concerning the needs of all students and staff, assisting schools and students by observing students and recommending ways to strengthen the arts programs, ensure all students have equitable access to fine and performing arts programs that reach standards, evaluate progress of district fine and performing arts programs while measuring student impact and scaling effective approaches. Smith will begin in this new position on July 1.
Smith currently serves as the Owensboro Middle School band director, a role he has held since 2016. Before relocating to Owensboro, Smith served as the Band Director for Caldwell County Middle School and Assistant to Caldwell County High School (2010-2016). He began his teaching career in Robertson County, TN as the Band Director of Jo Bryns Middle/High in 2008.
Smith received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education in 2008 and a Master of Music Education in 2014 all from Western Kentucky University.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Jana Beth Francis said, “It is clear that Mr. Smith is passionate about the impact art has on students. He has wonderful connections already established in our community and hopes to provide students with opportunities to perform and share their art. I’m looking forward to Mr. Smith and all the fine and performing arts educators in DCPS working together for our students.”
“I am honored to be the next Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools. I want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in a high-quality arts program that makes them feel that they belong and allows them to express themselves creatively. I look forward to building on the existing success at DCPS and to supporting the staff and students as we work together to move each arts program to the next level,” said Jason Smith.