Details

First Name

Melinda

Last Name

Smith

Nickname

melinda-smith

Account Status

Political Identity

Title / Position

Principal

Jurisdiction / Location

State

Texas

County

Dallas

City

Dallas

School District

Dallas ISD

Office Information

School Name

Hexter Elementary

Office Address

9720 Waterview Rd. Dallas,TX 75218

Current Official

Yes

Biography

Bio

I am thrilled to begin my fourth year as the proud principal of Hexter Elementary, where we continue to build on a strong foundation and rich traditions that make our school such a special place.

 

This year holds many exciting milestones. We anticipate moving into our brand-new building in January 2026, with the entire bond project scheduled for completion by August 2026. These enhancements represent our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for our students.

 

I’m also honored to enter my second year in the Holdsworth Campus Leadership Program, joined by three dedicated colleagues from Hexter. Together, we are deeply focused on improving math achievement through a carefully crafted “problem of practice.” Guided by current research, we will implement high-impact instructional strategies to help every student succeed.

 

For our new Hawk families, I’d like to share a bit about myself. I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and proud grandmother. Originally from Southern California, my husband and I relocated to the Dallas area four years ago to be closer to family and pursue new opportunities. We’ve found our forever home here and are deeply rooted in this wonderful community.

 

Over the past 30 years, I’ve served in a variety of roles in education—teacher, PTA president, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. Each experience has shaped my leadership and reinforced my passion for education. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from UCLA and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Fullerton.

 

I believe in the power of relationships and the importance of fostering a school community where all stakeholders—students, families, and staff—can thrive. As an instructional leader, I am highly visible and committed to cultivating a culture of student agency. I want our students to be confident readers, writers, and critical thinkers. I work to build staff capacity to support that vision and lead by modeling the core values I hold dear: integrity, respect, dedication, resilience, and kindness.

 

Each day is a new opportunity to make a difference. I look forward to getting to know you and working together to continue making Hexter a school we’re all proud to call home.