Meet the Principal

Dear Oakley Park students and families,

I am humbled and honored to introduce myself as the new Principal of Oakley Park Elementary School. I began working for Walled Lake Consolidated Schools in 1999, and have worked at three elementary buildings during that time, including Oakley Park. I have also spent time as both a teacher and assistant principal at Sarah G. Banks Middle School. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and Masters Degree in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University. I am thrilled to bring my skills as an educational leader back to Oakley Park in this new role and to work with you and this amazing staff as a partner in your child’s education. 

From the beginning of my time as a teacher in this building six years ago, I knew it was a special place where I saw myself long term. In 2021 when my journey took me back to Sarah G. Banks Middle School to serve as their Assistant Principal, the positive impact that Oakley Park had on me never left my mind or heart and served as a guidepost for my work in my role therein.  

I firmly believe that to make a real difference, educators must hold both themselves and students to a high academic standard with an appropriate balance of empathy and compassion. In order to help students be their best selves, we must understand how they think, how they feel, who they are, and what emotional obstacles they may bring to school each day. I believe deeply in the importance of  a strong partnership between families and school so we can work collaboratively to best meet the needs of our children. I see school as a place to help all learners achieve their highest potential and grow academically, socially, and emotionally.  

I consider it an incredible privilege to be returning to Oakley Park as your principal. During my interview process I worked hard to convey my strong belief and deep understanding of what an amazing gem the Oakley Park community is in the middle of our district. In the weeks and months to come I am excited to reconnect with some of you and get to know others.  

Sincerely,

Kelly Smith