Former superintendent of Phenix City Schools dies

Clifford Smith, former superintendent of Phenix City Schools, died Thursday at the age of 88, according to the obituary submitted to the Ledger-Enquirer.

Smith, who resided in Hoover, Ala., when he died, was superintendent in Phenix City from 1976 to 1992.

After graduating from Coosa County High School in 1947, Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Alabama Polytechnic University (now Auburn University) in 1951 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He became a lieutenant and taught atomic, biological and chemical warfare at bases in Texas and Alabama.

Following an honorable discharge, Smith worked for 39 years in Alabama public schools. He taught biology at Sylacauga High School while earning a master’s degree in education from API. He was principal of Randolph County High School in Wedowee, T.R. Miller High School in Brewton and Anniston High School.

Smith became assistant superintendent of Anniston City Schools, where he was instrumental in the integration of that district, according to his obituary. After serving in the same position in Phenix City, he was promoted in 1976 to superintendent and led the school system until he retired in 1992.

During his 16 years as superintendent, Phenix City Schools significantly improved its standardized test scores and he oversaw construction of a vocational school, a new high school and several other infrastructure projects for improvement and modernization, according to his obituary. The Alabama Congress of Parents and Teachers named him the 1982-83 Superintendent of the Year.

Smith’s memorial service was conducted Monday in Rockford (Ala.) Baptist Church, where he was baptized at age 14. His body was interred in the town’s cemetery beside his wife of 62 years, Ann Vann Smith, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his children, John (Laura) Smith of Tallassee, Ala., and Amy (Chris) Ferguson of Vestavia Hills, Ala., as well as five grandchildren.

In his eulogy, former PCS interim superintendent Rod Hinton called Smith a “great man” and a “strong leader and manager.” Then he explained why.

“He was an excellent speaker, but he normally didn’t have to say much because he spoke so effectively with his eyes,” said Hinton, who was a teacher, coach, principal, curriculum coordinator and secondary education director while Smith was superintendent. “He could greet you with a smile in his eyes and a firm handshake or pat that made you feel like the most important person in the world. But he could also cut those same eyes at you, never saying a word but motivating you to redirect your course instantaneously.”

Hinton also called Smith “a lifelong educator,” but he clarified that label, noting it not only describes how Smith made his living but how he spent his life as well – “teaching, supporting, learning and excellence in all things and being an outstanding role model for those around him.”

Smith was “a visionary,” Hinton said. Although he never learned how to use a computer, Smith led the development of the first computerized systems for attendance and payrolls among Alabama school districts.

“When he selected and secured a site for a future elementary school in Phenix City, no one cared,” Hinton said. “But when the city began growing in that direction, he had to fight off several individuals wanting that land, including the city of Phenix City.”

Smith also got tough stuff done. After the Phenix City and Russell County school systems failed to convince voters to continue the local school millage rate, Smith “took control of the process,” Hinton said. “He called for another vote, developing a plan for victory, and won the second election with over 90 percent of the votes in favor of not only continuing the existing 8 mills but increasing that millage rate to 13 mills.”

Hinton credits Smith for providing PCS with more accountability and structure for students and teachers.

“In a school system with great, highly qualified people but financial limitation and a population of students who were far from spoiled with advantages,” Hinton said, “the results were amazing.”

Hinton cited a 1981 newspaper article that reported Phenix City’s scores on the California Achievement Test for grades 1-6 matched or surpassed the national average in all but fifth grade.

Smith “never accepted any credit for the impact he has had on those around him or the communities in which he lived,” Hinton said. But “like a stone thrown in a pond,” Hinton added, “he continues to leave ripples.”

This story was originally published August 15, 2017 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Former superintendent of Phenix City Schools dies."