The Des Moines school board, in a special meeting this morning, approved a two-year contract with Matt Smith to serve as interim superintendent through June 30, 2027.

Smith assumed the role of interim superintendent on Sept. 26 following the arrest by federal immigration officers of former superintendent Ian Roberts.

Smith has worked in the district since 2010 when he was appointed principal of North High School. He was named executive director of learning services in 2013 and chief schools officer in 2014. Smith became associate superintendent in July 2018. He was also interim superintendent during the 2022-23 school year.

“Matt Smith is an experienced leader who has demonstrated time and time again his commitment and dedication to our students and the entire Des Moines community,” Jackie Norris, school board chair, said in a prepared statement. “Matt not only brings stability but also the energy and enthusiasm we want at the helm of DMPS, including being a true leader on our Reimagining Education initiative.”

The contract calls for Smith to be paid $286,716 during his first year as interim superintendent, according to the contract. His salary could increase in his second year in the role. The contract also calls for Smith to receive:

• A tax-sheltered annuity equal to 20% of his annual salary, or $57,345.
• 25 days of paid vacation.
• $600 a month, or $7,200 annually for reimbursement of use of his personal vehicle while doing official school business.
• A district-owned cell phone to use for school-related business.
• The services of an executive coach, for which the district will pay “reasonable costs.”

If Smith is not appointed the district’s superintendent at the end of the two-year contract, he will be offered a senior administrator position within the district, according to the contract. Smith will be guaranteed to be in the position for two years.

Before coming to Des Moines, Smith worked in Texas where he was a teacher and school administrator. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from Baylor University and master’s degree from Sam Houston University.

“Des Moines Public Schools has not just been a job for me, it’s the place I trust with the education of my own children,” Smith said in a prepared statement. “The care and love our teachers and staff have for every student who walks through our doors is a daily inspiration to me. I am honored to step back into this position and to help lead an amazing team as we reimagine education and focus on the future.”