Dr. Sara Schmidt

Dr. Schmidt has spent the past seven years serving the families of RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell in the United Kingdom. Dr. Schmidt most recently served as the principal of Lakenheath Middle School for four years. During her tenure, she focused on fostering a strong community among teachers, students, and families, with an emphasis on instructionally focused interactions and enhancing program availability for all students. She also served as the assistant principal for Lakenheath Middle School and Lakenheath Elementary School during her time in the United Kingdom.

During her time at Lakenheath Middle School, Dr. Schmidt prioritized fostering community among teachers, students, and families. She focused on supporting teachers with instructional planning to increase student engagement and expand programs for all students. Dr. Schmidt was instrumental in supporting the DoDEA Middle School AAPS Pilot program, organizing the school’s master schedule to prioritize co-teaching, and celebrating student achievements through initiatives such as monthly Spotlight programs and biannual Fine Arts Evening events. Her commitment to equity, access, and servant leadership guided her decisions, ensuring a high-quality DoDEA experience for students, teachers, and families.

Before her time in the UK, Dr. Schmidt served as Assistant Principal for Spangdahlem and Bitburg Elementary Schools from 2014 to 2017 and taught at Yokota West Elementary School from 2005 to 2014. She also worked as an English teacher in multiple Japanese high schools through the Japanese Exchange and Teacher Program and taught for the New York City Board of Education in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, from 2002 to 2004.

Dr. Schmidt earned her Doctorate in Education with an E-Learning Specialization from Northcentral University. She also holds a Master of Education in Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, a Master of Science in Education from St. John’s University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Iowa State University.

Dr. Schmidt is honored to be selected as the Community Superintendent and looks forward to returning to Germany to serve the DoDEA Europe Central District. She, her husband Robert, and their two daughters, are excited for the move and eager to explore the area and become active members of the community. The family enjoys game nights, celebrating holidays, exploring with their poodle Charlie, and traveling.