Gertrude Scott Smith taught in the district for 46 years. She began her teaching career in 1900 at the Oak Street School (Mary A. Todd School). After some years, she became principal of the South Lake Street School (Abraham Lincoln). In September of 1917, she was transferred to West High to teach math. In 1927, Smith became assistant principal and in 1933, she was appointed dean of girls. She is described as having had "an indomitable faith and belief in most everybody, and this was the source of her wise and friendly counsel that inspired, encouraged and endeared her many students." Smith School was dedicated in 1964, six years after Smith’s death.