FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2023
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NUSD Names New Superintendent
Novato, CA… The Novato Unified School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce its unanimous decision to select Dr. Tracy Smith as the new superintendent for the Novato Unified School District, effective July 1, 2023.
The NUSD Board of Trustees approved Dr. Smith’s appointment and employment agreement on March 7, 2023. “Dr. Smith brings a wealth of experience and is an educational leader that is student focused, collaborative, solution oriented and is committed to academic excellence and meeting the needs of all students. Tracy is known for building relationships and connections with staff, students, and community. We look forward to her engaging with our schools and community over the next few months as she prepares to lead the district,” commented Debbie Butler, NUSD Board of Trustees President.
“I am both thrilled and honored to serve the Novato Unified School District in this leadership role. Nothing matters more to me than to offer my skills and expertise to improve the district in the community in which I live and in a county that I cherish. I feel like we are a good match. I thank the Board of Trustees for selecting me and trusting me to make a positive difference for all students, staff, and families,” remarked Dr. Tracy Smith.
Dr. Smith has a record of excellence in every position she has held beginning with her teaching experience as a Dual Immersion teacher, with a single subject Spanish credential, and Spanish major from University of California, Berkeley. Tracy’s 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.
Dr. Smith will be replacing Dr. Jan La Torre-Derby, who graciously came out of retirement for the second time to assist NUSD for the past two years. The NUSD Board of Trustees would like to thank Dr. Derby for her continued support and service to NUSD. The NUSD Board of Trustees would also like to thank Dr. Walt Buster for his guidance and leadership through the superintendent search process.
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