The Upper Dublin Board of School Directors has announced the selection of Dr. Laurie J. Smith as the next Superintendent of Schools of the Upper Dublin School District.
From the district’s press release:
Dr. Smith is a visionary instructional leader committed to achieving success for Upper Dublin and its students by building strong, trusting relationships in order to continue and further the District’s mission to empower all students through educational excellence. Dr. Smith brings to Upper Dublin 20 years of administrative educational experience, including experience in curriculum and instruction; professional development; equity, diversity, and inclusion; data-driven decision-making; comprehensive strategic planning; and team and community building. The Board will vote on Dr. Smith’s appointment at its regularly scheduled Legislative Meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 7:00 pm.
Dr. Smith comes to Upper Dublin from the Perkiomen Valley School District, where she served as the Assistant Superintendent. Prior to joining Perkiomen Valley, Dr. Smith served as a Middle School Principal in both the Upper Perkiomen and Northwestern Lehigh School Districts. She began her educational career as a Physics and Math Teacher in the Parkland School District.
Dr. Smith earned her Doctorate in Education Administration from Immaculata University. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education Mathematics & Physics from Kutztown University.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to join the Upper Dublin School District. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation of excellence that already exists and continuing to embrace the diversity among us to ensure all learners feel valued, heard, and supported,” Dr. Smith shared.
The Board of School Directors engaged in an extensive interview process, interviewing numerous highly qualified candidates before selecting Dr. Smith. The Board extends its sincere appreciation to all of the students, staff, administrators, and community members who shared their thoughts, priorities, and feedback during the superintendent search process.
School Board President Jeffrey Wallack said, “We are ecstatic that Dr. Smith will lead Upper Dublin’s schools forward. Her spirit and energy are unbridled, and we cannot wait for her to start working with our Executive Leadership Team, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community to propel Upper Dublin to even greater heights. The four pillars of Dr. Smith’s approach to being Upper Dublin’s new Superintendent resonated with the Board: (1) developing our team; (2) listening & learning to build trust; (3) honoring diversity and promoting equity; and (4) communicating meaningfully. Dr. Smith is, in her own words, truly committed ‘to ensuring that every student receives the support necessary to realize their unique potential.’”
Mr. Wallack also expressed the Board’s deep appreciation to Dr. Marykay Feeley, Upper Dublin’s Interim Superintendent: “We cannot thank Dr. Feeley enough for stepping in to lead our District at the start of the 23-24 school year. She was instrumental in our transition from Dr. Yanni’s tenure, and we know that she will likewise play a vital role in our transition to Dr. Smith’s tenure.”
Dr. Smith’s anticipated start date in Upper Dublin is December 4, 2023. In coming weeks, students, staff and community members alike will have opportunities to meet and get to know Dr. Smith. The District will share information about those opportunities as it becomes available through the District’s normal communication channels. For now, Dr. Smith has provided a short introductory video that, the Board hopes, will excite everyone who watches as much as Dr. Smith’s vision, experience, and passion excited the Board.