The East Chambers Independent School District Board of Trustees has named Assistant Superintendent Andrea Smith as the lone finalist for superintendent, positioning her to take the reins from longtime leader
Scott Campbell
, who is set to retire after more than four decades in education.
The announcement came during the board’s regular meeting on June 9. Smith’s selection marks a pivotal moment for the district as it prepares to transition leadership following Campbell’s official retirement on August 31.
Smith currently serves as East Chambers ISD’s Assistant Superintendent and has worked closely alongside Campbell in district operations and initiatives. Her appointment as the lone finalist initiates a state-mandated 21-day waiting period before the board can officially hire her as superintendent.
Campbell, an East Chambers graduate who spent his entire 41-year career in education, announced his retirement earlier this year with mixed emotions but a deep sense of pride.
“I love my job. I could continue doing it forever,” Campbell previously said. “But I’ve decided it’s time for me to try retirement.”
Under his leadership, the district experienced steady growth and earned widespread praise for its academic achievements and strong community ties. Campbell credited the local community for supporting every bond during his tenure, saying, “We’ve built, I think, one of the best school districts in Texas.”
The superintendent cited the January birth of his first grandchild, Nova, as one of the personal reasons behind his decision to retire.
“We did just have a grandbaby,” Campbell told 12News. “My daughter had a little girl, Nova, in January, and we’re excited about that, and we’re going to hopefully be able to help with that.”
While excited for the future, Campbell acknowledged the difficulty of stepping away.
“It’s very difficult to think about not being here on a daily basis, so I’m just going to have to find some other ways to distract myself,” he said. “I seem to have no hobbies or crafts or anything.”
As he prepares to pass the torch, Campbell shared advice for the incoming superintendent.
“Being a servant leader is important. It’s never about me, it’s always about the team,” he said. “Always put the children first. The students at East Chambers come before anything else, and their success is the most important thing that we do.”
If officially confirmed later this month, Smith will be tasked with continuing Campbell’s legacy of academic excellence, community partnership, and student-centered leadership in one of Southeast Texas’ most respected school districts.
