Affton School District is pleased to announce that Dr. Amanda Smith has been selected as the Affton High School Interim Assistant Principal for the 2026-27 school year, pending official approval by the Board of Education at their upcoming meeting. Dr. Smith steps into the role following the retirement of Dr. Jon Langhans, who served as an Assistant Principal at Affton High School since 2015.
Dr. Smith has served as a social studies teacher at Affton High School since 2003. She recently completed her second year of the Affton Leadership Academy for aspiring administrators and was named the 2026-27 Affton High School Building Teacher of the Year. She has also served in various leadership roles at AHS throughout her career, which include social studies department chair, continuous classroom improvement instructional coach, professional development committee representative, building leadership team facilitator, and multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) committee facilitator.
“We are thrilled to have such a talented individual as Dr. Smith step into this leadership role. She has continually grown her leadership skills and made significant contributions to Affton High School throughout her career,” said Dr. Travis Bracht, superintendent. “I look forward to supporting her and believe she will continue to be an asset to the students, staff, and families at AHS.”
“I am honored and excited to take on this role at Affton High School. Throughout my career in Affton, I have been passionate about creating a student-centered learning environment within my classroom while also taking on new leadership opportunities that positively impact all students and staff,” said Dr. Smith. “Affton’s commitment to ensuring students' academic and social-emotional learning needs are met aligns closely with my own educational philosophy. I look forward to partnering with students, staff, and families in my role as interim assistant principal to help prepare every Affton student for a successful future.”
During her tenure at AHS, she has taught courses including AP Psychology, Psychology, World History, American Government, and Geography. She earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary social studies education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, as well as a Master of Science in educational administration and a Doctorate in educational leadership, both from Southwest Baptist University.
Dr. Smith is a lifelong educator passionate about student success and about meeting their academic and social-emotional needs. A native of St. Louis and graduate of Mehlville High School, she still resides in the Mehlville School District, where both of her children attend high school. Outside of school, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with family and supporting her children’s interests and activities.
Dr. Smith will begin serving as Interim Assistant Principal on July 1.