The Smithville Board of Education has appointed Denise Harwood to serve as the Interim Superintendent for the 2022-2023 school year. Mrs. Harwood will replace Dr. Todd Schuetz, who is joining the North Kansas City School District after 13 years in the Smithville School District.

Mrs. Harwood joined the Smithville School District in 2012 as an elementary assistant principal before taking over as the lead principal of Horizon Elementary School in 2014. She is
currently in her second year as the Director of Student Services.

The Board will issue a request for proposals from search firms to pursue a permanent replacement for Dr. Schuetz. The search process will take place in the fall of 2022, soliciting
input from the community. A selection will be proposed by the December Board meeting.
“The Board is excited to have Mrs. Harwood’s leadership as a trusted administrator at this
important time as we launch a comprehensive search,'' said Jeff Bloemker, Board President.

Mrs. Harwood will retain some of her Student Services duties, while other responsibilities
will be divided among the current District administration. A plan detailing the division of
duties will be presented to the Board in the coming weeks.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve and engage with our students, staff,
families, and the Smithville community. I look forward to working together to ensure
student success.”, said Denise Harwood.

Bloemker added, “Smithville has proven time and again to be extremely supportive of our
students and District, and we look forward to engaging our community on the key
attributes we want from our next Superintendent and District in the future.”

Harwood Named Interim Superintendent for the 2022-2023 School Year