Hart County Schools Superintendent Nathan Smith to retire February 1, 2025

MUNFORDVILLE, Ky. – They say all good things must come to an end.

“I never wanted to stay somewhere too long. I do feel that we are heading in the right direction, and there’s no doubt that this district will continue to flourish and move in a way that will help students, and that’s why we’re here.”

For Hart County Schools Superintendent Nathan Smith, that statement rings true, as after nearly 28 years of service to the district, seven of those as superintendent, Smith is retiring from his post on February 1st.

“I’ve known this has been coming for quite a while, but, you know when it’s time to go. I’ve been a teacher, I’ve been a coach, I’ve been a principal, a supervisor of instruction, a director of pupil personnel, and now a superintendent. So, I feel like I’ve given them just about everything I’ve had, and young enough that I feel like I want to get out and do something else,” he says.

Smith shared this news during the school board meeting on Thursday, where he also mentioned his wife will be retiring in December, saying she and his kids are the main reason why he’s stepping away.

A board member told us how much of an impact he’s made on the school system.

“He has helped our district move forward. We’re proud of our school test scores and our high schools and our elementary schools. He has helped bring all of our independent school districts, our school and the elementary schools together and trying to get them cohesive on the same page, and we just appreciate everything he’s done for the district, our students and our families,” Tina Rutledge, Vice Chair of the Hart County School Board says.

Smith reminisced on just how much education has evolved in nearly three decades, while also looking to the future.

“The buildings have all been upgraded, we have a new high school, we have a new college and career academy. Listen, we have the best teachers. We have the best group of students. I would put them up against anyone and I’m just hoping to see that we continue to empower kids to be the best they can be for themselves in the future,” he says.

While he may not be involved in the day to day operations of Hart County Schools in February, his son is a sophomore Raider, and he’ll still be watching out, hoping to see growth for the county.