The Novato Unified School District announced its next superintendent last week after an extensive search process.
Although a fully executed agreement will come on March 7, the district said “we would like to announce (the appointment) now to allow her current district, Rincon Valley Union School District, to move forward in securing a new Superintendent for their district.”
With “enthusiasm” and “delight,” the district said in a press release that Dr. Tracy Smith, a Novato resident and longtime Marin educator, will join NUSD as Superintendent starting July 1.
“Dr. Smith has a record of excellence in every position,” the press release went to say. Smith began her teaching experience as a Dual Immersion teacher, with a single subject Spanish credential, and Spanish major from University of California, Berkeley. Her experiences beyond 9 years of teaching includes Dual Immersion Grant Coordinator, Principal, Director of Categorical Program, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent for the last four years.
As Superintendent, she facilitated a Master Facilities Plan, developed, and implemented an LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan) to support student groups, created a fledgling STEM program, worked with Epoch Education (Dr. Nancy Dome) to implement culturally responsive systems, served as lead negotiator, managed declining enrollment, implemented PBIS, and managed emergency support for her families through the Kincaid and Glass fires in 2019 and 2020.
Outgoing superintendent Jan La Torre-Derby said: “Tracy is known for her for her calm demeanor, collaboration with all groups, high expectations, willingness to do the hard work on behalf of all students to ensure they are on the road to success, work with a variety of parent groups to demonstrate that parent partnerships are a priority, and her support for all staff is beyond reproach. She is a coach, collaborator, and invests in each individual to join forces on behalf of students.”
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