Lawrence Township board approves three-year extension for Superintendent Dr. Sean Smith

The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board voted to approve a three‑year extension of Superintendent Dr. Sean Smith’s contract, extending the term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.

The board opened a public hearing before taking final action. Carla Johnson, the district’s chief of human resources, presented the contract on the public screen and said the extension “is an extension of July 1st, 2026 to June 30th of 2029. Um it's a three‑year extension,” noting that most salary and benefit categories mirror the superintendent’s current agreement. The contract includes a performance incentive provision allowing up to $25,000 in annual pay tied to board‑approved goals and standard administrative health, retirement and technology allowances.

Supporters in the audience urged the board to approve the extension. Community member Sean Rounds, who identified himself as a Lawrence Township graduate and community appointee, said the district has improved under the superintendent’s leadership: “Lawrence Township has become one of the premier school districts in the state of Indiana,” he said, citing higher graduation rates, investments in early childhood education and facility improvements.

Board members asked staff to clarify mechanics in the contract. Johnson explained the agreement contains an “evergreen clause” that would otherwise renew the superintendent’s contract year‑to‑year if the board took no action; approving the three‑year extension provides multi‑year stability while retaining the existing renewal mechanics at the contract’s end.

A motion to approve the contract was made and seconded; the board voted in favor and Dr. Smith accepted the extension. The board did not enumerate roll‑call vote tallies by name in the public record during that motion but announced the motion carried.