Smith accepts position with Fredonia, will leave in July

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

In a special meeting Monday, the Centre board of education accepted the resignation, effective July 1, of Centre superintendent and principal Brian Smith. He is in his second year at Centre.

Smith has accepted the position of superintendent at Fredonia Unified School District.

“Centre has been a fantastic place for my family and I for the past couple of years,” he wrote in his letter of resignation. “I am grateful that you allowed me to begin my career as a district leader at USD 397.”

“Fredonia is a 3A school, and this is an opportunity for professional growth,” Smith said Tuesday.

He added the timing was right for his family. His oldest child will be a freshman next fall.

Smith’s salary this year is approximately $82,500. He said Fredonia has offered him “a very generous compensation package.”

Smith said his experience at Centre has been nothing but positive, and the district is on a solid foundation.

“I was not looking for a change, they came to me,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity and the new challenges it holds, but I’m still committed to the Centre school district and want to see that we hire the best teachers possible and keep the district strong and viable for the future. I will try my best to make sure the board brings in someone with the right fit for the job.”

A board member who declined to be identified said they plan to implement a search procedure soon.