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Dr. Smith Named 2012 Region 4 Superintendent of the Year
Clear Creek Independent School District
Office of Communications
2425 East Main Street
League City, Texas 77573
Contact: Elaina Polsen, Director
(281) 284-0020 or epolsen@ccisd.net
June 25, 2012
SMITH NAMED 2012 REGION 4 SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR
Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools for the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD), has been named the Superintendent of the Year for the region. Smith was nominated by the CCISD Board of Trustees for his student-centered leadership. Region 4 represents 53 school districts, seven counties, and over 1 million students. “Dr. Smith leads by example and will represent the Region 4 superintendents well in the state process,” said Rudy Okruhlik, Interim Executive Director for Region 4.
Smith, who has been the district’s superintendent since 2008, says this award is one he shares with all of those who have invested in children. “We firmly believe the success of a community is measured by the success of its children. This honor reinforces that we are headed in the right direction,” said Smith. “I would like to thank our outstanding board of trustees for their nomination, Region 4 selection committee, and all the superintendents in this area for leading with passion.”
Shortly after joining CCISD, Smith rallied the entire community to create a vision for the children of Clear Creek ISD. While employee and parental involvement are naturally part of any strategic planning process, Smith made this more than a ceremonial procedure. He became the listener and the learner, allowing the aspirations of the school board, teachers, principals, parents and students help craft a five-year strategic plan. The plan has fueled his every decision and discussion for the past four years and has resulted in an increase in student performance. In June, more than 97% of CCISD students graduated with plans to attend college, the workforce or the military.
CCISD Board President Ken Baliker said Smith is deserving of this recognition for his ability to lead the district during difficult financial times while simultaneously improving student performance. “Dr. Smith has deftly managed a $17 million reduction in state funding to CCISD through thoughtful adjustments to programs, services and staffing, and our students continue to thrive. The Board looks to Dr. Smith to lead this productive model for public education in our community.”
Smith will be the Region 4 nominee for the 2012 Texas Superintendent of the Year award presented by the Texas Association of School Boards. The winner of the state award will be announced Sept. 28 during the 2012 TASA/TASB Annual Convention in Austin.