TOPSHAM
Superintendent Brad Smith will be retiring from Maine School Administrative District 75 after this school year.
Smith has submitted his letter of retirement to the school board, effective July 1. Smith has been the superintendent at MSAD 75 since July of 2011. He joined the district as assistant superintendent the previous year, after working as an elementary school principal in Gorham.
“This journey began 44 years ago when I became a classroom teacher,” said Smith in an email to the Times Record. “That school was Geenacres Elementary, just outside of Spokane, Washington. Little did I know where it would lead.”
School Board chair Holly J.P. Kopp praised Smith’s accomplishments as Superintendent. She noted his communication with the public and law enforcement, saying Smith oversaw a lot of significant changes. Kopp recalled unlocked school buildings, something that changed during Smith’s tenure.
“Obviously, we’re going to be sad to see Brad leave the district, Kopp said. “We certainly understand that for everybody there’s a time to think about what’s after their career.”
Smith indicated spending more time with family played a role in his decision.
“Now, while still in good health and invigorated by the work we are doing, it is time to step away and enjoy time with my wife and my adult children,” said Smith. “Any educator will tell you that teaching or being an administrator is more than a career, it becomes a large part of who we are.”
“I’ve personally enjoyed working with Brad,” said Kopp. “I’m sure he’s labored over this decision and tried to determine when was the right time.”
The School Board will be tasked with finding a replacement for Smith. A hiring committee will be formed to assist in the search. That committee helps narrow down candidates for the Board. Kopp didn’t put a timeline on the hiring process, but was confident the board has enough time before Smith’s retirement. The Board’s focus is finding the right person for the job, regardless of how long it may take.
“If the right person emerges, we’ll move forward with it,” said Kopp. “If not we really stay true to the process. We’ll look to do something different until the right candidate emerges.”
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