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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of Michael L. Smoot, who passed away on 
4January 3, 2026; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Michael Smoot, born in Carbondale on February 16, 
61943, dedicated his life to public education in Illinois; for 
7more than 37 years, he shaped schools, supported teachers, and 
8improved the lives of countless students; he began his career 
9as a classroom teacher and steadily rose through roles as a 
10principal and an administrator before serving with distinction 
11as superintendent of schools for Wood Dale School District #7 
12for 25 years; his leadership was marked by integrity, 
13thoughtful strategy, and a deep belief in the potential of 
14every child; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Michael Smoot received 
16recognition from the Illinois House of Representatives for his 
17exemplary contributions to education, a testament to the 
18esteem he garnered during his career and within the community; 
19and
 
20    WHEREAS, Outside of work, Michael Smoot embraced life with 
21enthusiasm and curiosity; he loved the American West and 
22dearly enjoyed snow skiing and fly fishing in Idaho and 
 
 
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1Wyoming; he was also a gourmet chef, expressing his love 
2through cooking and taking great pride in preparing memorable 
3meals for his family to create lasting traditions around the 
4table; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Michael Smoot was known as a fun and funny 
6presence, and people genuinely enjoyed spending time with him; 
7he possessed a keen intellect and approached all challenges 
8with strategic insight, and his enduring enthusiasm for 
9thoroughbred horse racing reflected his admiration for 
10discipline, high performance, and thoughtful analysis; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Above all, Michael Smoot was a devoted son, 
12brother, husband, father, and grandfather who leaves behind a 
13legacy of service, intellect, humor, and deep commitment to 
14his family; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Michael Smoot was preceded in death by his 
16father, Charles Smoot, and his parents, Juanita Smoot Corder 
17and Lawrence Corder; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Michael Smoot is survived by his wife of 60 
19years, Judy Smoot; his brother, Charles Smoot; his sons, Sean 
20Smoot and Chris Smoot; three grandchildren; and a host of 
21friends, colleagues, and former students; therefore, be it
 
 
 
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1    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL 
2ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
3Michael L. Smoot and extend our sincere condolences to his 
4family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it 
5further
 
6    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
7presented to the family of Michael Smoot as an expression of 
8our deepest sympathy.