Smith, Dennis
Smith does right by his old district, but ignored or covered up bad priorities and waste at CUSD
Jul 19, 2007
So, after Smith prematurely announced his implausible plan to "grow into" the CUSD Taj Mahal last May, he now gets his priorities straight as he helps the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District spend virtually all of $195 million in bond funds on improvements for children. Too bad he couldn't have been correspondingly honest and candid about the unresponsive and out-of-touch Fleming trustees who wasted tens of millions of redevelopment funds and tax revenues on improvements that could have, but did not benefit the children. Smith is the former CUSD interim superintendent who resigned six days after the Orange County District Attorney announced indictments against former CUSD administrators James Fleming and Susan McGill. Smith quickly retreated to resume his duties as superintendent of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, a post he never technically quit while acting as interim superintendent at CUSD.
Smith says he listened to some district critics who didn't listen in return
May 31, 2007
Smith said in an interview in early May that he would solve problems by inviting everyone to the table and making sure people felt listened to. At the time, though, he noted some tensions. Smith is the former Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District and, currently, the Superintendent of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District.
Smith addresses overspending and dangerously low reserves, confirming recall advocates claim that CUSD is a district in crisis
May 09, 2007
Reform advocates have exposed CUSD's financial mismanagement and corruption for years, often referring to CUSD as "a school district in crisis." Smith is the interim Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District.
Smith presents plan to end years of irresponsible spending habits of Fleming Trustees
May 09, 2007
Sam Miller, The Orange County
Register "Superintendent Dennis
Smith on Monday presented a general plan of cuts,
transfers and new revenues that he said will get
the district out of the habit of spending down
reserves and failing to plan for teachers raises.
The adjustments, which were not voted on by
trustees Monday, will be in the budget the board
considers in June."
Miller is the South Orange County education reporter for The Orange County Register.
Miller is the South Orange County education reporter for The Orange County Register.
Smith's four guiding principles in budget planning
May 09, 2007
Sam Miller, The Orange County
Register "Smith last week said
he had four guiding principles in budget planning:
ending deficit spending; carrying a larger
reserve; planning with multiyear projections; and
budgeting teacher raises in advance."
Of course the fifth guiding principle - budget cuts - is not even on the list as Denny ignores the elephant in the room. Miller is the South Orange County education reporter for The Orange County Register.
Of course the fifth guiding principle - budget cuts - is not even on the list as Denny ignores the elephant in the room. Miller is the South Orange County education reporter for The Orange County Register.
Smith touts admin building pros but ignores cons and prudent alternatives
May 09, 2007
District officials continue to promote the Fleming rationale for the new building - consolidation of operations, expansion needs for the next ten years - and a new twist by Smith - lease revenue from the portion of the building to be given to schools in the district. There was no mention of a comprehensive feasibility study to consider more prudent alternatives or any discussion about district-wide priorities and proper allocation of limited capital resources -- just plans to stay in the overbuilt facility until the district grows into it over the next ten years. Smith is the Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District.
Superintendent Smith says trustees' plans to open $140 million San Juan Hills High School don't make financial sense
May 07, 2007
Volzke is the publisher of the Capistrano Dispatch.
Newcomer Smith characterizes some critics of district facilities as people who "scream and yell and throw a tantrum"
May 06, 2007
Smith is the Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District.
Smith has five-year plan for deteriorating schools
May 06, 2007
Smith is the Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District.
Smith's four guiding principles for the budget, addresses automatic allocation for teachers' raises
May 06, 2007
What about budget cuts, Denny? Smith is the Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District.
Smith expresses hopes for his legacy with CUSD
May 06, 2007
Smith is the Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District.
Smith draws surprising conclusions about reform issues and advocates without even speaking to reform leaders
May 06, 2007
Smith may have misstepped early in the game by implying moral equivalency between district and reform advocates. If this is so, despite the opinions of some that he is "scary brilliant," he obviously has much to learn if he really wants to make positive changes at CUSD. Smith is the Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District.
Smith seeks reason for constituents' angst, but will he really listen?
May 06, 2007
Smith asks the right question. Hopefully he won't ignore the real answer - the culture of corruption that must be changed before any of the serious issues facing CUSD can be permanently solved. Smith is the Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District.
New superintendent experienced and looks forward to challenges at CUSD
Mar 23, 2007
The Capistrano Dispatch
“As
Superintendent I have had the opportunity to face
challenges similar to those that are being
addressed by the Capistrano Unified School
District. CUSD is known for its excellent
instructional programs, great people, and active
community participation. I’m looking forward to
getting out to the schools; working with the
dedicated teachers, principals, and parents; and
inviting all stakeholders to join us in providing
our children with a world-class
education.”
Capistrano Unified Trustees this month unanimously approved Dennis Smith as the district's new superintendent. Smith, who formally starts in July, will get $255,000 a year in salary, $900 a month in transportation allowance, his retirement contributions paid, up to 24 vacation days year and, if he stays at least five years, his health benefits paid until he's 65. The district will also contribute $33,000 a year to a tax-sheltered annuity for Smith.
Capistrano Unified Trustees this month unanimously approved Dennis Smith as the district's new superintendent. Smith, who formally starts in July, will get $255,000 a year in salary, $900 a month in transportation allowance, his retirement contributions paid, up to 24 vacation days year and, if he stays at least five years, his health benefits paid until he's 65. The district will also contribute $33,000 a year to a tax-sheltered annuity for Smith.