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Gray Stone Day School welcomed Dr. Andrew Smith, state assistant superintendent of innovation with the Department of Public Instruction, on Sept. 16.

Smith, a Salisbury native, was appointed by N.C. Superintendent Catherine Truitt to the state level position in June.

Smith is responsible for developing innovative practices across the department and providing oversight to various DPI offices including the Office of Charter Schools.

A former Rowan-Salisbury Science teacher, Smith visited classes, met staff and faculty and toured the Gray Stone Design Lab where students apply science, technology, engineering and math skills in a hands-on learning environment.

“Thank you to the administrators, teachers and students for inviting me to tour the school and discover what makes Gray Stone Day School special,” Smith said. “Through my classroom visits, it was clear that the school is living out its mission to provide a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum. The school’s combination of high expectations, rigor and sense of community are preparing students for success after Gray Stone.”

Smith obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education from Wake Forest University, a Graduate Certificate in Administration and Supervision and a Doctor of Education in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education from Johns Hopkins University.

“I am so pleased that Dr. Smith was able to come see our school and give us the opportunity to share ideas. He will certainly be an asset for all public schools in the state, both traditional and charter, as he works toward finding innovative ideas in education,” said Helen Nance, chief administrative officer at the school.