Right time, right place

Becky Walz
News Editor

Traveling regularly for 23 years, most recently as a clinic manager for Gundersen Health System, Calmar’s Kris Smith felt she spent too much time away from her husband, Jean, and three sons, Dalton, Dakota, and Braxton. 

But this spring after former South Winn business manager Amy Boothe announced she was leaving the district and the school advertised for the position, Smith decided it was her perfect opportunity.

“It’s not too often that a great job becomes available in the town where you live,” Smith noted. “The time was right for me to reprioritize my life and try something different.”

Smith started making the transition to South Winn this spring, when she began her training under Boothe. In June she took over as the business manager and board secretary.

A graduate of Decorah High School, Kris recalls that one of her best memories of school was vocational agriculture class and FFA.

“I wholeheartedly believe that the ag class provided a well-rounded vision of what it is like in the real world,” said Smith. “Each class included a little science, math, and English. But most of all, each class taught respect for each other.”

Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix and credits her family for their support throughout the years.

“Jean is a great cook, and I am blessed that he helps with the organization around the house,” complimented his grateful wife. “He is amazing.”

Smith has been a longtime member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church and is a board member of the Faith Formation Committee and the Catholic Family School of Religion in Calmar.

In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors in her garden and quilting.

The mother of three has learned over the years that when dealing with individuals, it is important not to jump to conclusions, before listening to both sides of a story.

In reviewing her own expectations of her new position, Smith concluded, “I want to be successful at supporting the school board and the entire South Winneshiek school district.”