“There is never a good time to make this type of announcement, but it is important to give the CCISD community time to find the right person to lead this exceptional school district,” Smith said. “For those who know me, I do not tire. I remain committed to the work ahead of reopening Clear Creek ISD to 42,000 boys and girls and leading us into a strong fall semester.”
The decision to retire was made five years ago when Dr. Smith signed his final contract; he informed the board at the time of his intent to close out his 40-year career in education at CCISD, according to a district news release. His contract expires at the end of 2020.
As Smith spoke to the board at the end of the meeting, he thanked the community for his time serving them.
“The backbone of our district can be found in the classroom with some of the best teachers in the world,” he said. “Thank you for allowing me to work in and lead one of the most visionary school districts in the world, where hopes, dreams and aspirations come true. I know mine have.”
Board President Laura DuPont called Smith a leader of all leaders, thanking him for his “solid, wise, heartfelt leadership” and for leaving his handprints all over the district.
“Each of us are grateful to have been on this journey with you, as students, as parents, as trustees,” she said.
Smith joined the district as superintendent in 2008. During his tenure, he was named Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards, the Top Administrator by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association and the Superintendent of the Year by the Texas PTA, per the media release. He has been in public education for 40 years, 20 of them as a superintendent.
Smith expressed optimism for the district’s future despite the current challenges it faces.
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“It does not really matter if we have a hurricane or a pandemic—we are Clear Creek ISD, over 70 years strong,” he said at the meeting to a standing ovation.
As for plans after December, Dr. Smith will continue his support to public education throughout Texas, per the release.
“Everybody take a deep breath,” DuPont said just before adjourning the June 22 meeting. “Our journey into the future continues.”
