Dr. Jared Smith

Today’s guest is someone who wears many hats—superintendent, author, speaker, professor, executive coach, and, perhaps most importantly, my oldest son!

Dr. Jared Smith is now in his fifth year as Superintendent of the Waterloo Community School District, leading more than 10,000 students and approximately 1,700 staff members. Under his leadership, Waterloo Schools has earned state and national recognition for student achievement, staff retention, innovation, and workplace culture. He was recently named one of the Top 10 School District Superintendents in the United States by Education Insider Magazine, and Waterloo Schools has been recognized among Iowa’s top employers and top-performing urban school districts.

As the district continues preparing for the historic opening of Waterloo High School in 2028, Jared remains focused on what matters most—students, staff, families, and creating opportunities for every child to succeed.

When he’s not leading one of Iowa’s largest school districts, you’ll find him reading, writing, exercising, attending concerts, following sports, or working on his next leadership project.

Please welcome one of the nation’s most respected educational leaders—and my son—Dr. Jared Smith!