It is with great eagerness and excitement that I serve as the newly appointed principal at Short Pump Elementary School. I started my educational journey at Ridge Elementary School, then moved on to Tuckahoe Middle School. I graduated from Douglas Freeman High School. As a product of Henrico County Public Schools, I was eager to return to the area after graduating from college to start my career in HCPS with a teaching placement at Echo Lake Elementary School. 

For the past 22 years I have continued my career serving as a teacher, a gifted resource teacher, a general resource teacher, associate principal, and now as a principal. Our school system has not only fostered my love of learning as a child but my love of leadership as an adult. I have been given opportunities to grow, develop and lead, for which I am so thankful. Continuing this journey as an HCPS principal has been a lifelong dream of mine. From Mr. Noris, my principal at Ridge Elementary, to Dr. Sarah Slaughter, my principal at Short Pump Elementary, I have learned from and worked with so many high caliber administrators.  

I have a  committed approach to creating and supporting a positive and productive school culture that is centered on the growth of both teachers and students. With the development of the Henrico Learner Profile, in connection with the Deeper Learning Model, I have seen the division embrace the goal of creating students that are life-ready. It has brought relevance and authenticity that I love being a part of. 

At Short Pump this year, we are focused on creating strong relationships and meaningful connections where every Stinger feels safe and that everyone can say “We Bee-long.”

- Paige Smith