Students First Leadership

About Dr. Ryan Smith

With over 20 years of leadership experience in public education—including my current role as Deputy Superintendent in the Bellflower Unified School District and prior service as Superintendent of Monrovia Unified, Assistant Superintendent, and High School Principal—my unwavering guiding principle has remained 'Students First!' This commitment is the cornerstone of my leadership, shaping every decision and effort to achieve the best possible outcomes for all students.

My Journey

Recent Media Appearance

I recently joined Josh Ochs on the Smart Social Podcast to talk about how schools can help students use AI responsibly. We explored practical ways to teach collaboration, accuracy, and digital responsibility while making sure students keep their own voice.

Featured Articles

Illustration of a fictitious “Personnel Commission Rules & Regulations” cover for XYZ School District, symbolizing questions and confusion about classified employee policies and the merit system.

Demystifying the Merit System for California School and District Leaders

The merit system in California school districts can feel unfamiliar to leaders new to it—but understanding how it works is essential. This article explains the key rules, legal foundations, and leadership practices that guide classified hiring, promotion, and discipline in merit system districts.

Ryan Smith

Tom Phillips, Bellflower Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year, stands with district leaders at the STAR Awards ceremony, holding his award and wearing a purple lei.

So You Want to Lead HR in a School District? Five Things I’ve Learned

HR is more than compliance and paperwork—it’s culture, strategy, and the people who make schools work

Ryan Smith

From the Hardcourt to the Board Room: A District Leader’s Perspective on Coaching, Character, and Integrity

A district leader’s perspective on how high school coaches shape student-athletes, build character, and uphold integrity in athletics.

Ryan Smith