An eighth-grade student from Wasatch Junior High School recently stepped into the role of Granite School District superintendent, when she participated in the district’s’ “Superintendent for a Day” election. In an effort to mirror real-world practices, Granite modeled the selection process after the district’s official hiring procedures. It was through this mock hiring process that Holland Smith was ultimately chosen as Granite’s student superintendent for the day.

Following her nomination, Smith underwent a competitive selection process that included delivering a speech and participating in a formal panel style interview. The interview panel consisted of actual district leaders and members of the Granite Board of Education. Granite modeled the interview process after that of an actual superintendent candidate in order to further cultivate the legitimacy of the experience.

“During her day in the role, the student will work alongside Superintendent (Ben) Horsley, gaining firsthand experience in district leadership and decision-making. Her schedule will reflect a full day in the life of the superintendent,” Granite School District stated in a release.

Smith began the day alongside her friend and fellow Wasatch student, June Beyon, who she selected to serve as her “Chief of Staff.” The two students stepped into these leadership roles designed to reflect the responsibilities carried out by district administrators on a daily basis.

In reality, superintendents act as the top administrative leaders responsible for managing public school districts, while a chief of staff serves as a senior advisor to the superintendent and often assists with managerial and organizational responsibilities. In Granite School District, Horsley currently holds both superintendent and chief of staff positions, though the roles are typically considered separate.

Smith and Beyon began their day at Wilson Elementary School, where they attended a faculty meeting. During the meeting, Smith and Beyon presented checks to outstanding Wilson educators. From there, the day proceeded with a series of meetings, student interactions and conversations with district officials, board members and student body officers.

Later in the day, Smith and Beyon attended a Salt Lake Bees game, where they joined a group of fifth-grade students before handing out souvenir baseballs. Following a lunch at Chick-fil-A, Beyon and Smith continued their tour of the district, visiting Calvin Smith Elementary School and Bennion Junior High School. The day’s festivities concluded, as they often do for actual Granite School District superintendents with another meeting.

“This experience provides students with a unique opportunity to see leadership in action and understand the responsibilities of running a large school district,” Horsley said. “We are excited to have such an outstanding student represent her peers in this role.”

Smith spoke positively about her experiences. “Today I’ve been able to be superintendent for the day. It’s been such an amazing experience, learning what goes on behind the scenes. It’s been such an amazing opportunity, and I’m so glad that I was able to do this today.”