Stacey Schmidt

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband’s name is Mike and we have 2 children, Bradley and Lauren. Bradley attends Georgia Southern University and is majoring in Civil Engineering. Lauren is a junior at BHS and is very involved with dance and chorus.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Before I became a teacher, I was head hunter for a technical recruiting firm in Atlanta. While I made much more money, I was miserable. That experience motivated me to go back to school to get my teaching certificate. It was the best decision that I have ever made! As teachers, we go into education to inspire and motivate our students, but the truth is that our students encourage and motivate us. I love connecting with my students, partnering with my school family, and experiencing life with my students in our amazing Buford community.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Ricos, Aqua Terra, Bravos, and Baking Grounds are among some of my favorite restaurants! Most recently, I have come to love Italian Pie in downtown Buford, as well!

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have worked for Buford City Schools since August 2000.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If I could travel anywhere in the world right now, I would go to Italy. I would love to experience the food, wine, and architecture. It is definitely on my travel bucket list!

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love Kevin Costner, so one of my favorite movies is The Guardian and one of my favorite TV series is Yellowstone.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to do work a day in your life.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to travel to Italy and Greece.

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love all types of music! One of my go to choices would be Chris Stapleton, The Eagles, or Lauren Daigle.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
If I had the opportunity to have lunch with anyone, I would choose Dolly Parton. I think that she is an amazing person! Not only is she a smart businesswomen, but she has always stressed the importance of education and literacy. If I had the opportunity, I would take her to Aqua Terra.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that our Buford community is growing, but still has managed to have that “small town” feel. In our school system, we are very fortunate to have an amazing Board of Education with a clear vision. There is support at all levels – within all schools and throughout our community.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
The 2023-2024 school year will be by 25th year in education and I am still going strong.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
When I was young, I used to be allergic to chocolate. Thank goodness, I no longer am!

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The beaches and private islands in the Bahamas were among some of the most beautiful places that I have been.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month of the year is October. I love seeing the leaves on the trees change and enjoy cooler nights. My favorite holiday is Christmas and I love to decorate! When Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas decorating begins!

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The teachers at BCSS!

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family and students inspire me to be better each day.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of freshly baked cookies and cinnamon sticks.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home is family, love, and laughter.