The District 300 Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Martina Smith as superintendent on December 20, 2022, and she officially took office on July 1, 2024.

“This is the honor of a lifetime to be selected as the next superintendent for District 300,” Dr. Smith said upon her appointment, “and it’s incredibly humbling. Our students count on us – each and every one of us – to help build the foundation they need to make their way into their futures. Leading this district and that effort is not just a job for me; it’s my passion.

“It’s also my mission.”

Prior to her appointment as superintendent, Dr. Smith served as deputy superintendent for District 300, where she demonstrated a commitment to fostering student growth, achievement, safety, and accountability. That commitment, paired with her passion for literacy, resulted in the implementation of new literacy materials throughout the district, related professional development for staff on evidence-based instructional practices, and increased literacy programming. 

Dr. Smith has also held the position of assistant superintendent of Title I schools for District 300. In that role, she oversaw six elementary schools and one middle school, leading their growth and development, and ensuring compliance with Title I grants and expectations.

Additional experience in the district includes serving as principal of Carpentersville Middle School, where she implemented a sixth grade dual language program and led efforts to improve staff development and home-school relations. Prior to that, she served as principal of Meadowdale Elementary School, where she implemented a K-4 dual language program and restructured targeted after-school enrichment programming.

Dr. Smith has also held positions as a principal, assistant principal, and teacher at Rockford Public Schools.

She earned a doctorate in educational leadership from National Louis University in Chicago in 2015 and has been actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), the School Superintendents Association (AASA), and the Large Unit District Association (LUDA).

“Again, it is a true honor to be selected and lead this district,” Dr. Smith said. “I’m here for everyone: teachers, support staff, the Board of Education, and the community members. But, most importantly, we are here together as a team to support the students of our district.” 

Contact Information

Community Unit School District 300
Dr. Martina Smith
2550 Harnish Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102
martina.smith@d300.org

Eva Olayo Gutierrez
Executive Secretary to Superintendent
evangelina.olayoguti@d300.org | 847-551-8305