NEWS > SCHOOLS

Morgan Hill's new school leader will be Dr. Wesley Smith, the school board announced tonight.

For three years, Smith, 40, has led Cascade Union Elementary School District in Anderson, a small town south of Redding. Cascade Union is comprised of three elementary schools, a middle school and a day school, according to their Web site. Morgan Hill Unified School District has 16 schools, including the Central Continuation High School, Community Adult School and the Charter School of Morgan Hill.

Board President Don Moody said the board was impressed with Smith's enthusiasm.

"It's a step up for him. He was ready for a new challenge," Moody said, adding that he had wanted a younger superintendent like Smith.

In a statement, Smith said, "My family and I are extremely excited to live in Morgan Hill and serve" in the district.

"I am anxious to start meeting with staff and stakeholders to collaboratively build on current successes and begin working towards a future where all students realize their potential in and out of the classroom - irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status," he said in the statement.

Moody said Smith planned to live in town with his wife and three children.

"We're going to bump into him at the grocery store, he's going to put his children in the schools and they're going to be taught by our teachers," Moody said.

The board approved Smith's $190,000 contract in a 6-0 vote, with Trustee Peter Mandel absent.

The district will host a reception to introduce Smith to the community at 4 p.m. Nov. 10.

Dr. Alan Nishino, who led Morgan Hill Unified for four years, resigned in June. The board began the superintendent search shortly after he announced his resignation.

This was the story covering the initial announcement of the new schools superintendent. A more detailed story about Dr. Wesley Smith was posted Thursday, Nov. 5.

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Natalie Everett

Natalie Everett Natalie Everett is the education and city reporter for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106, ext. 201, or neverett@morganhilltimes.com.

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