Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership

From Books to Buildings: The Educational Leadership Path of Angela Britian-Smith

• Schmidt Associates • Season 1 • Episode 16

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Meet Angela Britain-Smith, fondly known as ABS, the director of operations at the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township (MSD Washington Township). In our enlightening conversation with Guest Hostess and K-12 Studio Leader Anna Marie Burrell, ABS shares her journey, starting as a librarian and transitioning into a leader handling facilities management, food services, and safety. Her experiences emphasize the power of mentorship, communication, and prioritizing what's best for children.

Our discussion also reveals how a passed referendum revolutionized MSD of Washington Township. ABS enlightens us on the enormous transformations that followed, including expanded program capacities, enhanced security, new furniture, and more. ABS also discusses the challenges the district would have faced if the referendum hadn't passed. We round up with ABS underscoring the importance of equity in K-12 education, the impact of mentorship programs for students, and the vital role of self-care for mental and physical well-being. A wealth of insights awaits within this episode. So, get ready to be inspired.

Angela Britain-Smith:

Thank you so much for the invitation to share my journey. As you know, I'm a girl behind the scenes, which is where I prefer to be. However, as always, I'm extremely appreciative to spend time with you, Anna Marie, and the Schmidt team.

Anna Marie Burrell:

So tell me a little bit about yourself and your journey to success and how you got into a career in K-12 facilities.

Angela Britain-Smith:

Sure. So my career started as a school librarian and later I became an information services director at a large inner city high school on the east side, lawrence Township. I was encouraged to get my building administrative license and then, a few years later, became the assistant principal in charge of buildings and grounds, construction projects etc. At that time we embarked on a major renovation that included demolition of a historical gym, renovations for a main gym, construction of a field house, as well as many exterior athletic improvements. After being in that district for 10 years, I transitioned to Washington Township as an assistant principal at North Central High School, and there I was also in charge of buildings and grounds. Although we didn't have a lot of construction projects going on, we did have minor projects that I had to have oversight on. So then, a few years later, I was extremely humbled and was hired as the director of operations for Washington Township schools, and I think I've been the director now, for I think I'm going on my ninth or tenth year.

Anna Marie Burrell:

Wow You've established. With such an extensive background, there must have been a good reason why you chose your career path. What drove you in the direction of the K-12 education?

Angela Britain-Smith:

So I always had a passion for education. My mom even said when I was little that one day I would become a teacher. It wasn't until high school where I found my passion for school libraries. I was very close to my high school librarian at IPS Howe High School, the Hornets, and it was her, Mrs. Lefler-Buer, who guided and mentored me into a career with IPS School Library Services. IPS library services was located in the old Coca-Cola building on Mass Ave, which is now known as the Bottle Works, so it's always fun to go back and visit that building and just kind of reflect back on what it was like when I was there when I was 16, 17, 18 years of age. I stayed with IPS as a classified employee while earning my degree in secondary education and then was hired as a middle school librarian. I eventually moved on from IPS to other districts as I wanted to be a high school librarian, and so from there, I got my admin license and then became an assistant principal and now the director of operations in Washington Township schools.

Anna Marie Burrell:

I love how it starts with your mom and it sounds like you have a lot of people who believed in you and offered a strong foundation for you. Who were some of your early influences and what type of advice did they offer you?

Angela Britain-Smith:

I'm not sure where I would be if it wasn't for my high school librarian. But also, along the way, I've had so many colleagues and supervisors who are amazing mentors, who encouraged me to continue with the school leadership path. Even now, I work alongside many talented, amazing people in the education field, but also within the construction and design fields. In regards to advice, one common theme has always been communication is key and always remember to always do what is best for kids.

Angela Britain-Smith:

So, growing up, I had a strong foundation with my parents who always encouraged me, and especially my dad, who always said You know, I could do anything I wanted to as long as I put mind to it. And I always like to tell the story about when I was first driving and I wanted a truck and I had two brothers and they both had Mustangs and since I was the girl, there was no way I was getting a truck, and so he said no, I couldn't have the truck. So I ended up with a firebird, a 79 firebird, which was really cool but it didn't allow me to be extremely independent when it was raining or in the rain, because it was very fast and it slid all over the road.

Angela Britain-Smith:

But once I was established with a job and that job again was in library services I went back to my dad and I said I want my truck and I think I was 18, going on 19 and he said okay. So we went to the car lot and he told the salesperson I want to, you know, take the truck for a drive. And so the salesperson went in to get the keys and I looked at my dad and I said I don't know how to drive a stick. And he said oh, you'll be fine. And I said really, I have no idea how to drive a stick. And he continued to let me know I would be just fine. So of course, the salesperson came out and my dad said she doesn't know how to drive a stick, but I know she'll be just fine. So the salesperson said okay, I'll drive it out of the lot. And then he showed me how to do it and I did just fine and drove it back into the lot and ended up buying it. So it was.

Angela Britain-Smith:

You know from just examples like that that no matter what I wanted to do, my dad was supportive, encouraging, he would ask questions, but never, ever made me feel like it was something I couldn't do so.

Angela Britain-Smith:

I also had a very close friend who was a librarian colleague and she mentored me a lot as well.

Angela Britain-Smith:

It was not my high school librarian, but another librarian that I worked with, in IPS, and when I finished with my degree and had my first interview for a school librarian's position, I was extremely nervous and she kept telling me that I was going to be just fine and I was smart and I had the skills to be able to do this. And she made one statement, and that statement I've never forgotten and it's carried me through my entire career, and that was that in the interview she prepared me, she said they put their pants on the same way you do every single morning, and so I remember that. So when I struggle and I stumble and I think that it's something I can't do, I remember I put my pants on just like everybody else does, and I can do this. So had many, many fabulous mentors growing up, and then through my career, like I said, I've just worked with some amazing people and every day I'm always thankful for them and I'm just constantly learning from them.

Anna Marie Burrell:

Yeah, absolutely love that and how fondly you speak of that. We all need positive people in our lives who believe in us. Absolutely, yeah. So let's talk more about today and some of your big wins in Washington Township. In 2016 and 2020, Washington Township passed the state's largest referenda to date.

Angela Britain-Smith:

Yes.

Anna Marie Burrell:

Yeah, big achievement. Can you share with our listeners what the purpose was of those referenda?

Angela Britain-Smith:

Sure. So the referendas were focused on capital improvements as well as operating expenses, mainly with our facilities. They had not undergone any major innovations for 25, 30 years, 30 plus years. Both capital referendas had four priorities educational capacity, safety and security, healthy learning environments and also technology. The building systems, including furniture and technology, were passed through Useful Life. They were outdated. Safety and security improvements were necessary, as well as a need to expand building square footage to enhance our teaching and learning spaces.

Angela Britain-Smith:

Additionally, the 2020 referendum had priorities for improvements to athletics at both the high school and the middle school levels. So you're exactly right it was a huge achievement for Washington Township Schools in 2016. We went out for $185 million and obviously, a lot of planning, and a lot of work went into that. Again, we were grateful for our stakeholders who supported us, and then we knew that when we started to embark into 2020, that we still had a lot of work to do. There was a lot that was uncovered that we still needed to achieve that the $185 million wasn't going to. And so in 2020, obviously we had the next referendum again an enormous win of $285 million. So just a great opportunity for Washington Township Schools, especially for our students and our staff, and the improvements all will carry us into generations to come.

Anna Marie Burrell:

So there was a lot of opportunities that have resulted from the successful passage of the referendum. Can you share a little bit more about the building projects that resulted from that?

Angela Britain-Smith:

Yes, wow, excitement and pride for sure within our school communities. Our buildings have or are in the process of going through major transformations. We've expanded program capacities. We've enhanced security through secured entrances, lockdown capabilities and communication systems. We've added natural lighting in our buildings, new LED interior and exterior lighting, upgraded our HVAC systems, integrated all-new furniture that provides flexibility and better functions for teaching and learning. In addition, athletics at the middle school and high school have been improved for enhanced play and competition. I could go on and on. The district is extremely grateful for the support of the community and I always say our gratitude will never be understated. So I always just describe it as major transformations. And when you walk into a building that's now been renovated and just what that looks like and feels like and what it offers for teaching and learning is, it's unbelievable in terms of the difference.

Anna Marie Burrell:

Right, yeah, and something that we don't like to talk about is what would have happened if that had passed?

Angela Britain-Smith:

Right. So, yes, an enormous disappointment. And, most importantly, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that Washington Township students and staff deserve. Specifically, class sizes would have potentially increased, possible reductions of staff and termination of academic and support programs. Challenges would have remained with improving those learning environments, possible decrease in ability to recruit and retain outstanding staff and new families. In addition, potentially a negative impact to home sales in Washington Township. So obviously, all of the above would be detrimental to any district and so, yes, it would have been an enormous disappointment.

Anna Marie Burrell:

Yeah, it's a tremendous win for everyone involved and it really could not have happened without the strong district leadership and the leadership team. As leaders, we know how important communication is to overall success. Can you elaborate on why consistent, transparent communication with all of your stakeholders is so important to maintain maintain throughout the life of all the projects?

Angela Britain-Smith:

Sure. So I believe that action through consistency and communication builds trust. It's imperative that schools have the support of their community, and if they don't, I think that progress and innovation and success would be impacted.

Anna Marie Burrell:

Well, it's good that it passed, because so many students and families' lives are now really being positively impacted. We see that every day as we're out in the community. So, as you're looking back and now looking forward, what have you learned from the process and what can you translate into your next challenges?

Angela Britain-Smith:

People and processes matter, and documentation of the past and current is a necessity. So it's important to stay current with those long range plans, be transparent and engage with partners such as Schmitt Associates, who can provide the capacity and strategies for success. And don't forget to celebrate successes along the journey. Even if they seem small to you, they will be meaningful to others. No-transcript.

Angela Britain-Smith:

And so when it comes to those celebrations because we have so much going on and it's at a, you know, such a fast pace that sometimes we forget to stand back and reflect and to celebrate those successes and we do have dedication and rededication ceremonies after each of our projects, and that's a time that I see lots of smiles, it's a time that I think we all stop and we just take a breath and just kind of take in all of the accomplishments, and it's a time to also connect with community past staff who may have retired, who come back.

Angela Britain-Smith:

So it's just a great joy, even though it's a quick ceremony that takes place, but it is definitely meaningful. And so I've learned that sometimes you just need to slow down, even through the process, and just reflect on how much good there is, because as leaders, we're constantly putting out the fires, and so that sometimes becomes our focus. When you know, it's important to take just a moment to step back and say there's a lot here that's been accomplished and that's good, and to do that along the way, I think, is healthy for everyone.

Anna Marie Burrell:

Right, yeah, that's so important and I know, as we all work through these projects, we truly become a family and you know coming together every once in a while to celebrate and really remember what the purpose is of these projects for the community and the students is important.

Angela Britain-Smith:

Yeah, I always say that, you know, we spend more time at work and then we do with our friends and families a lot of times, and so, and you know, you know, during that referendum planning, we were hip to hip for, you know, hours at a time and late nights. But now, when we look back at everything that's been accomplished, it feels good, right.

Anna Marie Burrell:

From all of this, are you implementing any other efforts to ensure long-term success?

Angela Britain-Smith:

projects.

Angela Britain-Smith:

Absolutely so.

Angela Britain-Smith:

At the start with the first referendum in 2016, it was the district's goal to give back to the community, so there was a supplier diversity resolution that was signed by the school board that would ensure engagement with diverse suppliers and to make that a priority. That commitment is just as strong today. The district to date has directed over $79 million to local firms owned by women, minorities, veterans and the physically challenged. Most exciting and very proud to share, that we have propelled to just a little bit over $100 million in commitments to date. So $79 million, that's $79 million that have been spent, but we know that we've got a little over $100 million in commitments to date.

Angela Britain-Smith:

Additionally, supporting the development of the workforce and construction is very important to the district. We've partnered with our supplier diversity consultant, Robin Winston, to place Washington Township students into internships or employment opportunities of interest such as construction, design, engineering, etc. We're very grateful to many of our partners who have participated in these efforts and Anna, I know that Schmidt Associates has provided scholarships and internship opportunities for our students, which we are extremely appreciative of, and I believe Schmidt even has a North Central graduate who is currently involved in our projects. Absolutely do.

Anna Marie Burrell:

That's awesome, as you're promoting these programs and sharing the ongoing information about the referenda. What are some of the tactics that you and your team have implemented to further educate different groups of people, such as the students, the township residents, parents, or district employees?

Angela Britain-Smith:

So the projects span over a 10-year period and we knew from beginning beginning the wi that communication stakeholders with our stakeholders was important.

Angela Britain-Smith:

We also knew this would be important for building and maintaining trust with our community. We have a robust construction capital projects website. The website is our library for archiving all aspects of the projects, from beginning to completion, which includes project timelines, design renderings, project progress photos and video footage and project update presentations. In addition, our website hosts a vendor registration portal, which also supports our supplier diversity program. Any of our bid proposal opportunities related to facilities and capital projects are advertised on the website, and we have capital project updates that are provided through district communications such as newsletter, social media and also board meetings. So in the beginning, like I said, it was important for us to archive even all of our planning and the presentations to our community so that we would have the information to go back and refer to, and so that website is public and all of that information is public and it's a way for us to be transparent and it's pretty robust in terms of how how much information is there.

Anna Marie Burrell:

Yeah, it absolutely is. It's a wonderful timeline to see where you started and then where you are now. Just looking around the district and seeing all the things that are happening, it's truly wonderful. I Iwant want wto to t t now on upon equity and well-being. We hear a lot about these topics in K-12 schools. What does it mean and what do the opportunities look like for the students at Washington Township?

Angela Britain-Smith:

We want our students and our community members who are visiting our campuses to have a similar experience from one school to the next Doesn't mean that the schools are identical. I believe that each of the schools take on their own personality but at the same time, there are some pieces that are in place. That is about consistency. That also, I believe, equals some equity, and in the beginning of our planning, it was important for us to have standards, and those standards are with our educational specifications and then also our design standards. So the educational specifications has to do with what makes up a learning space and whether or not it has maybe a drinking fountain, or it has a sink, or it has a certain square footage, things like that. And then our design standards is what I refer to as everything in back of the house, so in terms of HVAC or plumbing or things that you might think of when you think of maintenance.

Angela Britain-Smith:

And we also started out with looking at our Washington Township logo and taking a look at that in regards to our brand, and so we did embark on a new logo, and so, by having some consistencies just with how we advertise and how we market ourselves, we wanted consistency as well as with our buildings and I believe that allows for consistency, especially when you have multiple elementary schools and you have multiple middle schools. We didn't want one middle school student having a different experience than the middle school down the road. So when we knew that we were gonna be doing major renovations or even new construction, we wanted to ensure that there was consistency. So we developed those ed specs, the design standards, our style guide for our logo, et cetera, so it even comes down to signage on our campuses so that when an elementary student or family is visiting one elementary school once they maybe move on to a middle school or a different elementary school, whatever that might be, as they enter that campus it feels familiar.

Anna Marie Burrell:

I love how Washington Township looks at everything holistically right, starting in the classrooms with the students and then looking outwardly to how you can empower and leadership can empower the students of Washington Township, even with other initiatives such as your mentoring program for the students. What are some of your reflections on the importance of this for the students of the district?

Angela Britain-Smith:

Absolutely so. When I worked in the schools and was very close to the students, it was exciting to watch them grow and watch them mature and think about what they wanted to do after high school and what their future was gonna be, and so I do believe that it's important to be able to offer all the different opportunities that are out there so that kids can feel what it is gonna be like if it's something that they're gonna go into and they're gonna make a career out of it. So the internships are, to me, extremely important. I'm passionate about those because, obviously, if it wasn't for my internship experience that I had in high school, I probably wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now, and I had that guidance from my school librarian, and so I believe that placing students in real job application type scenarios and experiences is what's going to propel them to the next level.

Anna Marie Burrell:

Right, helping them find their spark. Exactly yes. So one of the things that I really admire about you is the number of lives you and your team have changed for the better. As you're looking back on everything you've accomplished, what do you hope people will be saying about you in 10 years?

Angela Britain-Smith:

So my goal is always to leave things better than I find it so, whether that's in my personal life or in my career, and so, when it comes to the referendum projects and the capital improvements that we're doing in Washington Township, I believe that we're accomplishing that. You know, we are leaving things better than what it was, and there's no way that any of this could have been accomplished without a great team, and I do. I have a wonderful team in Washington Township and as well as those that are outside of Washington Township that makes up that team, you know, from our engineering and design partners and our consultants, our parents who volunteer and help us out. It's all, it's a team, and we have amazing students and families and teachers and staff, community supporters. We have also, you know, a skilled group of people who surround us in the process to help us be better. So I always say, together we can and we will, and I do believe that anything is possible when everyone works together to reach a common goal.

Anna Marie Burrell:

Yeah, absolutely. I know you've changed my life for the better, and so for working with us. You know Schmidt Associates has built its legacy among K-12 building design, and it's one of our favorite markets for so many reasons. I'm curious to know what you like most about working in the K-12 environment.

Angela Britain-Smith:

It's all about the kids, and so I miss the kids every day, because what I do now is, you know, I'm not. I'm not surrounded by them like I was, you know, when I was in the school and working as a librarian, a teacher or an assistant principal. But I do believe that students should have equal opportunities and I love being able to be a part of that process and offering them those opportunities that will help them again to excel. And so everything that I do is I try to take it back to the learning environment and what is best for students and teachers.

Anna Marie Burrell:

I really appreciate everything you're sharing with us today. So now I have one final parting question for you. From working with you all these years, I know and we know your job is taxing. We've talked a lot about physical and mental well-being with K-12 design and now you have me wondering what you're doing to address your own mental and physical well-being. Can you tell us that t alittle ?

Angela Britain-Smith:

ure, so you're Sure, I talk about this a lot and I remind you about self-care. You do, it's extremely important and it's a necessity, and sometimes we forget to take the time that we need for ourselves. But I need to practice sometimes what I preach. But I know we can't take care of others if we don't take care of ourselves, and I always work hard to encourage my team to do the same. And if they're not healthy, we're not a successful team. I also remind them that family always comes first and we work together to support each other every day, and for me it's spending time me, with family and being in the sun. I love antique hunting, walking, yoga and meditation and, course, meditation, hanging out with my bestie, winston Anna bestie estie You Winston,, winston, he's my Winston handsome 12-pound sheepoo.

Anna Marie Burrell:

You know, I love every time you bring up Winston and I always see how much he makes you smile. So, ABS, thank you for spending time with me today. I really enjoyed our conversation. Thank you for listening to Luminate Navigating the Unknown through Creative Leadership. We hope this episode has inspired you and supplied valuable insights into the world of creative leadership. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. We love to hear your thoughts and feedback, so feel free to reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at Schmitt Associates. Until next time, keep navigating the unknown with creativity and confidence.

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