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Dr. Tony Smith
Mentioning his childhood, State Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith termed his mission of helping lead the
efforts to provide educational opportunities for Illinois children "deeply personal."
After spending much his first four months as the Illinois State Superintendent traveling the state, Smith
said about students he met and observed "I believe deeply in my heart that the talent of our children is
abundant throughout the state, but the opportunities are not."
The main theme of Smith's presentation was his personal mantra "I choose to dwell on possibility."
Calling it an aspirational narrative, Smith talked about a unified system across the state focused ion
changing the outcomes for all kids.
Among other points Smith made in an hour-long discussion with attendees, were:
"Do we appreciate children as problems to be solved or unique gifts we've never seen before?"
"I believe in core ideas, but
I am very flexible in the 'how' "
"The future of Illinois
depends on the strength of
public schools."
ISBE "should not be an
agency of 'no.' I would love
nothing more than our agency
to be one that takes care of
you."
"My commitment to you is that
I will dwell on the possibility
that we can be the greatest
educational state in the
country. In the time I have left
in this job, I promise to help you
be great."