Smith appointed as new Muscle Shoals City Schools superintendent
The Muscle Shoals City Schools Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jon Bret Smith as the district’s next Superintendent of Education.
Following a comprehensive search process, the Board selected Dr. Smith for his record of educational leadership, his ability to build strong community partnerships, and his success leading school systems through change.
Dr. Smith joins Muscle Shoals City Schools from Lawrence County Schools, where he has served as superintendent since 2017.
Dr. Smith has earned statewide recognition for his leadership and commitment to public education.
He currently serves as District 8 President for the School Superintendents of Alabama, representing educational leaders across the region. His peers named him District 8 Superintendent of the Year in both 2023 and 2026.
In addition to his leadership in K-12 education, Dr. Smith serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama, where he helps prepare future educational leaders.
The Smith family will also be making the move to the Shoals. Their daughter will attend the University of North Alabama this fall, and their son will enroll at Muscle Shoals High School.
“Dr. Smith brings a deep understanding of North Alabama’s educational landscape, a steadfast commitment to student success, and a proven ability to build strong partnerships with educators, families, and the community,” said Clayton Wood, President of the Muscle Shoals City Schools Board of Education. “He understands that every child deserves outstanding instruction every day. We are excited to welcome Dr. Smith to Muscle Shoals and look forward to the vision and leadership he will bring as we continue building on our tradition of excellence.”
Over the coming weeks, the Board of Education will finalize and approve an employment contract with Dr. Smith and begin introducing him to teachers, administrators, community stakeholders, and city leaders. The district looks forward to welcoming Dr. Smith for its annual Institute Day on Aug. 3 as Muscle Shoals City Schools prepares for the start of the 2026–27 school year.
