The start of a new school year is always exciting for Mrs. Tonya Schmidt, Principal at CNE Elementary School! Going into her seventh year, Mrs. Schmidt started her journey at CNEES in 2017. Previously, she worked as a teacher for seven years in Special Education before moving to administration for the Clermont County Educational Service Center as the Director of Childhood Education, and she spent 12 years as an elementary school principal for West Clermont Schools.
Mrs. Schmidt values her position in the educational field, reflecting, “Kids need consistent support, love, and guidance from the adults around them. Being able to show up and provide this for kids gives me purpose.”
When COVID-19 hit, everyone was affected – and Mrs. Schmidt was no different, citing the pandemic as one of the largest obstacles she faced in her educational career to date, particularly in overcoming the changes that were implemented in record time in order to keep CNE students safe. However, one of Mrs. Schmidt’s proudest moments is when the Elementary School received the Comprehensive State Literacy Development Grant, which aims to assist ongoing work to improve the language and literacy development of Ohio’s children.
“After collaborating to complete the application, we were awarded just over $1 million dollars to build our literacy program,” Mrs. Schmidt remembers. “The work the building has completed and the resulting growth for staff and students stands out as my biggest success to date.”
As the 2023-24 school year rapidly approaches, Mrs. Schmidt is the most excited to be back with her administrative team. “I am really looking forward to mentoring my new Assistant Principal and getting to know the new members of the team,” she adds.
In addition to her work at CNEES, Mrs. Schmidt enjoys biking, making her own beaded jewelry, and traveling with her family. She is approaching her 25th wedding anniversary and has a son, daughter-in-law, and – of course – her pups Speck and Murphy!
Learn more about Mrs. Schmidt in our Elementary Admin Team podcast.