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Benito Middle School Principal Steps Down

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KENNETH KNIGHT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 18, 2008

NEW TAMPA - Benito Middle School is getting a new principal for the 2008-09 school year.

Bobby Smith, who led the school for three years, has stepped down to take a job in Pasco County.

He officially left the post the first week of July, said George Gaffney, area director for the Hillsborough County School District.

Bobby Smith

Although details of Smith's new job were unclear, he would remain in education, Gaffney said.

He said Smith would be missed. "Dr. Smith left on great terms with our school district," Gaffney said.

Smith could not be reached for comment.

Smith, 38, took over as principal at Benito Middle School on March 14, 2005. He was no stranger on campus. Earlier in his career, he had worked as an administrative resource teacher and assistant principal at Benito for four years.

Smith, who lives in Dade City, won the MetLife Foundation's Ambassador in Education Award in May 2006. He was recognized for creating a culture of caring and community involvement at Benito Middle School.

The foundation noted Smith's efforts to bridge the gap between his school and parents, businesses and the surrounding community, a May 2006 Tribune article said. Under Smith's leadership, the school sponsored business partner breakfasts and parenting workshops, and hosted a community child safety workshop.

Smith was one of 21 principals nationwide to win the award that includes a $5,000 check for the school.

He started his career in 1997 as a teacher at Mann Middle School on East Jersey Avenue in Brandon.

A new principal for Benito Middle School is scheduled to be named at the July 29 school board meeting, Gaffney said. The school at 10101 Cross Creek Blvd. will serve about 1,100 students when the new school year begins Aug. 18.

Reporter Kenneth Knight can be reached at (813) 865-4842 or kknight@tampatrib.com.

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