Dr. Smith named new principal at Erath High

There is a strong bond between the schools and the community in Erath.
It’s two things that made Dr. Belisa Smith want to call Erath home. She is now more closely tied to both.
Smith, a native of Mississippi, is the new principal of Erath High School. She replaces Marc Turner, who is now an assistant superintendent for the Vermilion Parish School System. Smith previously served as an assistant principal under Turner at EHS.
“I am so honored and blessed to have been selected as principal of Erath High School,” Smith said. “Erath has a long history of success and community involvement.
“I am thrilled to be part of this great school and community.”
Erath High has been a highly ranked school for the past several years, including during Turner’s tenure as well as that of his predecessor, Francis Touchet Jr.
“I certainly have big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to leading our school to continued success,” Smith said. “Erath High has a long history of success because of past leadership, community, faculty and staff. I look forward to keeping many of the same traditions that make Erath High a great place. I also look forward to making changes where needed so that we can continue to be successful.”
Vermilion Parish Superintendent Tommy Byler said he feels Smith is the right person for the job.
“Dr. Smith has worked with Marc for a long time,” Byler said. “She has been part of Erath’s success. She does have big shoes to fill. That is the case anytime you replace someone who has been there for a long time. She will figure out what works for her and her vision for Erath High. You don’t go in and break what works, but you also go in and figure out how to make it your own.
“I think Dr. Smith will do that.”
She is already taking those steps.
“As the principal, I look forward to building relationships with my faculty, staff and community,” Smith said. “I want to be visible in the school and community and really listen to the stakeholders. I am working to build my team. I will have a new assistant principal and secretary.
“Relationship building is an important key to our success.”
Having been at the school will certainly make for an easier transition for the faculty and staff.
“I do believe the transition of me moving from assistant principal to principal will be a smooth transition for all,” Smith said. “I have been here, so I know and understand the culture of the school. I know my faculty and staff and they know me. Our relationships will look a bit different now, but as a team we laid the foundation for success.”
The foundation of success for Smith began in her hometown of Stringer, Miss. She attended Stringer Attendance Center from kindergarten through 12th grade. After high school, she attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
“I then pursued my Master’s of Education at the University of William Carey in Hattiesburg, Mississippi,” Dr. Smith said, “and eventually completed my Ph.D. in Community College Leadership at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss.”
Smith is married to Timothy Smith, with whom she has two sons, Konner, 11, and Thaxtyn, 9.
Family, school and community are important to Smith. She has found a place for all three.
“Erath is certainly a special place,” Dr. Smith said. “My family and I choose to make Earth our home because of the great school system and community support. The success of Erath High starts with the community.”