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Monrovia Unified School District to get a new superintendent in July
Monrovia Weekly May 27, 2021
During a meeting on May 26, Monrovia Unified Board of Education selected Dr. Ryan Smith as the new Superintendent for the District. Smith will assume his role on July 1. | Photo courtesy of MUSD
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The Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education has selected Dr. Ryan Smith, with nearly 25 years of education experience, as the new superintendent. Smith is scheduled to begin his position on July 1.
The Board unanimously approved a contract with Smith during its May 26 meeting, where he was formally introduced to the school community via livestream.
“I am truly honored to be selected by the Board of Education as the next Superintendent of Monrovia Unified School District,” Smith said. “Monrovia Unified is a district with a reputation for excellence and tremendous community support. Its outstanding academic programs are well known throughout Los Angeles County, the state, and beyond and are complemented by its fantastic offerings in the arts, athletics, wellness and mental health, and more. I am very excited to begin meeting with teachers and staff, parents and families, community members and organizations, and those who matter most – our students.”
During the selection process, input sessions were held with administrators, staff, parents and district stakeholders in order to learn about the qualities they wanted in a new superintendent.
Additionally, the school community was invited to fill out an online survey. Using this information, Leadership Associates – Monrovia Unified’s search firm – conducted an extensive search. The Board was presented with a list of candidates, ultimately selecting Smith.
“I plan to continue to build on the great foundation that is in place here in Monrovia to ensure that we reach new heights,” Smith said. “It’s a privilege to join the Monrovia Unified family!”
Smith earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California. He also holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and educational leadership from Chapman University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from California State University, San Marcos.
Smith comes to Monrovia Unified after five years in the Paramount Unified School District, where he served as assistant superintendent of secondary educational services and oversaw the entire Educational Services division.
During his time in Paramount, Smith oversaw a variety of initiatives, including the development and implementation of the district’s first strategic plan, the expansion of instructional technology to include a 1-1 Chromebook program for all district students, and the creation of the district’s first new high school, Odyssey STEM Academy.
Additionally, Smith worked to expand access to and develop new Career Technical Education programs, build partnerships with local colleges and universities, and increase access to the Advanced Placement program and other courses.
Smith has been married to his wife Jennifer for over nine years; they say they are excited to relocate to the Monrovia area from Orange County soon.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ryan Smith as our new Superintendent, and look forward to all of the wonderful things he will do for Monrovia Unified,” Board President Maritza Travanti said. “Dr. Smith has an extensive background in education, bringing with him years of experience and a strong passion for student success. Dr. Smith rose to the top out of 34 applicants and the board strongly believes he will make a great fit at Monrovia Unified School District.”
The District will host a Superintendent Roadshow throughout July, which will serve as a meet-and-greet opportunity for stakeholders. More information on the Superintendent Roadshow will be shared as it is made available.
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