Al Mackay-Smith

I am the principal at SCIDES and I was hired for this position starting July 1st, 2006. This is my first opportunity to work at a distance education school and I’m finding the position both rewarding and challenging. I have spent my entire teaching career in school district #58 but have had a variety of great working opportunities.
As a trade’s person from the automotive industry prior to teaching, the obvious place for me to begin my school career was as an automotive instructor. I had 10 great years in this capacity and introduced many of my students to my personal hobby of drag racing. The drag race club I started way back in 1988 is still functioning and allows me to get back to my automotive roots and spend time with my family and students at the race track.

Following my time in the school’s automotive shop, I moved down the hall to the counseling department. I completed my masters in educational leadership with a specialty in counseling and spent a number of great years looking after the academic and emotional needs of my high school students. Another opportunity opened up for me when I applied for and was hired as the vice-principal of our local middle school. My five years at this position allowed me to learn about the role of a school administrator. When the opportunity to move over to SCIDES came along, I jumped at the chance.

My time at SCIDES has taught me a great deal. I’ve learned about the interesting blend of students who choose to take all or part of their education from a distance. Through conversations with parents, I now have a better understanding of their role. Finally, I’ve learned a great deal about the staff and their commitment to providing a high quality educational program for our students.

I look forward to learning more about the needs of our distance learners and would encourage you to contact me at any time!