On April 6, 2022, J. Michael Smith—better known to most as Mike Smith—announced his upcoming retirement from his roles as president of HSLDA and HSLDA Action. Mike has served with HSLDA a total of 39 years.

During his time here, Mike has striven every day to continually “be all things to all people”—that is, to fill whatever role those around him needed at any given moment. And as a leader, these demands were by no means light:

  • As president of HSLDA, Mike had the final call on the many decisions that affected HSLDA’s administrative and day-to-day operations.
  • As HSLDA’s attorney for California, Mike assisted and advocated for member families in a state with hundreds of thousands of homeschoolers and frequent challenges to their right to homeschool.
  • As a board member of HSLDA since its founding in 1983, Mike thoughtfully weighed in on many critical financial and organizational questions.
  • As a true pioneer in the early homeschooling movement, Mike enthusiastically shared his family’s experiences with those around him who wanted to know more about this strange new educational option, introducing them to local and national resources.
  • As a father and husband, Mike led his family as they grew educationally, spiritually, and physically.