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Maricopa County PROCLAMATION Honoring Dr. George N. Smith February 11, 1927 to December 10, 2014 WHEREAS, Dr. George N. Smith devoted his life to opening the doors of learning and achievement for literally thousands of Arizonans, he truly embodied the ideals of an educated citizenry; WHEREAS, Born in Safford, Arizona, George began a lifetime of public service after graduating from Thatcher High School and serving in the United States Army as a paratrooper. Early in his career, he served as superintendent of Flowing Wells School District in Tucson, where the Flowing Wells High School was nationally recognized as “the finest high school in the country.” WHEREAS, Dr. Smith served from 1967 to 1984 as superintendent of Mesa Public Schools and he became a leader in school planning, finance and leadership as the District grew to become the largest school district in the state while winning numerous state and national awards for excellence and innovation. WHEREAS, Dr. Smith also led great successes in curriculum improvement, class size reduction, the building of 45 new schools to serve a growing population, and funding scholarships for student-athletes; and WHEREAS, after retiring from Mesa, Dr. Smith next served as Executive Vice President of Northern Arizona University and during his tenure he directed efforts to establish satellite campuses around the state so that educational opportunities could exist for citizens without having to leave home; and WHEREAS, after retirement, Dr. Smith became noted for his long morning walks around the neighborhood with his dogs, often taking hours to chat with local neighbors, children waiting for the school bus, or conversing with local passerby’s; WHEREAS, leaders, educators and public servants, like Dr. George N. Smith are so important to ensuring the success of the communities we represent. Dr. Smith showed an unsurpassed passion and dedication for education and we celebrate his impressive list of accomplishments as he made a lasting impression on the lives of so many people. WHEREAS, He will be missed by a host of family, colleagues, and friends including his son Scott Smith, former Mayor of Mesa from 2008 to 2014; daughters Diana Thomas and Jennifer Johnson; his sons David and Scott; as well as 17 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren; as well as his long-time companion and best friend Shauna Setlow. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. George N. Smith, honors Dr. Smith's memory with affection and gratitude, and pledges to sustain his legacy by striving to improve public education and advocate opening new doors of learning and opportunity for future generations of Arizonans. DATED this ___ Day of ______, 20__. ___________________________________ Steve Chucri, Chairman, District 2 ___________________________________ Denny Barney, Supervisor, District 1 ___________________________________ Andrew Kunasek, Supervisor, District 3 ___________________________________ Clint Hickman, Supervisor, District 4 ___________________________________ Marie Lopez Rogers, Supervisor, District 5 ATTEST: _____________________________ Fran McCarroll, Clerk of the Board