WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 -- Superintendent Eric Smith of North Carolina's Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has received this year's Richard R. Green Award, honoring the nation's top educator for outstanding contributions to urban education.

  The nation's top prize in urban education is given each year by the Council of the Great City Schools, a coalition of the nation's largest urban public school districts, and the ServiceMaster Company in memory of the late Richard R. Green, who headed the Minneapolis and New York City public school systems.

  Since 1996, Dr. Smith has led the school district to significant gains in student achievement. As a result of his commitment to setting high academic standards, the district was selected by the National College Board as one of 28 school systems in the country to award the first Advanced Placement diplomas.

  "Eric Smith is being honored by his colleagues in urban schools across America because of the substantial results that he has achieved and the leadership he's shown," said Council Executive Director Michael Casserly.

  As the Green Award winner, Dr. Smith will receive a $10,000 college scholarship to present to a deserving high school senior of his choice from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools or from his alma mater