Dr. Paul Smith whas been named the executive principal at Howard School of Academics and Technology.

He replaces Dr. Elaine Swafford, who was promoted to Area II superintendent in July.

Wendy Jung will be the associate principal, replacing Dr. Ava Warren, who was promoted to assistant superintendent of curriculum & instruction.

Dr. Smith and Ms. Jung will begin their duties in the next few weeks, Supt. Jim Scales said.

“We were looking to create an administrative team at Howard that would be there for the long term and be dedicated to student success,” Dr. Scales said. “I know Dr. Smith and Ms. Jung will be committed to helping all Howard students succeed.”

Dr. Smith is currently the assistant principal at Orchard Knob Middle School. Prior to that, he was a teacher for eight years at Tyner Academy.

Dr. Scales said that in two different interviews with Dr. Smith, "faculty, administrators and community members commented on his leadership style and his deep understanding of teaching and learning, specifically in an urban setting."

He noted that while Dr. Smith has only been an assistant principal for a short time, he "displayed the leadership and knowledge needed to keep Howard on its current path to success."

“I am confident that Dr. Smith’s vision and character will support the outstanding work already being done at Howard,” Dr. Scales said. “I know that he will continue to work with students, staff, parents and the community to propel student achievement forward.”

With Ms. Jung’s placement at HSAT as associate principal, Dr. Scales made a few other administrative changes.

Dr. Mary Lewis will assume principalship for all grades at 21st Century Academy. Dr. Lewis currently shares her duties with Faye Ison.

Ms. Ison will move to Chattanooga Middle Museum Magnet School as principal, replacing Ms. Jung.

Dr. Scales said that in filling the vacancy at Chattanooga Middle School, he was looking for an experienced administrator who could work with the students, staff and community to maintain the improvements underway at the school and create a sense of community with its main feeder school, Normal Park Museum Magnet School.

During the 2007-2008 school year, the district will pursue an initiative that will link Normal Park and Chattanooga Middle schools into one dynamic unit emphasizing the museum magnet theme, it was stated.

“Ms. Ison has the experience and leadership needed to work with the Chattanooga Middle School community and help our students succeed,” he said. “I know she can effectively work with the staff and parents of Normal Park and Chattanooga Middle to create a seamless progression for students between the two schools.”