Valparaiso board appoints Dr. Brian J. Smith as superintendent after unanimous voice vote

The Valparaiso Community Schools Board of Trustees voted to appoint Dr. Brian J. Smith as the district's next superintendent after a multi-stage search that included community surveys, reference checks and outside assistance from a university search led by Dr. Terry McDaniel.

Board members announced the recommendation and briefed the public on Dr. Smith's background before moving to a formal vote. The board described Dr. Smith's record as including 13 years as superintendent in the School Town of Highland, earlier roles in North Newton School Corporation and as a middle-school principal in Fort Wayne, and district leadership on finance, facilities and expanded academic and career programs. A motion to appoint Dr. Smith was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; no oppositions were recorded on the public record.

During the public comment period, resident Brian Williams urged changes to the proposed superintendent contract, calling it "excessive" and singling out what he described as a one-year buyout clause if a superintendent were fired. "I don't want to pay Julie Lauck again," Williams said, adding he believed six months (or even three months) would be more appropriate. The board acknowledged those concerns during discussion but said the contract is similar to the district's prior agreement for the outgoing superintendent and consistent with regional practices.

Board members said the district sought extensive community input during the search, including surveys and interviews, and consulted Highland's board and teachers association as part of reference checks. The board also noted fiscal priorities and statewide funding pressures affecting local budgets; one speaker referenced Senate Bill 1 in describing the need for fiscal prudence.

The board outlined a transition plan: a press release and outreach to staff, families and the community are planned immediately, and several town-hall sessions are scheduled so residents and staff can meet Dr. Smith. Board members who participated in the search thanked Charles Foster, a long-time local educator and community member who sat in on first-round interviews and provided follow-up questions and institutional perspective, for his input.

Dr. Smith, who was invited to speak at the meeting, said he is "truly humbled and honored" and described himself as a "passionate advocate for children" who favors shared leadership, listening, and learning from the Valparaiso community. He noted that his wife, Sally, has decades of teaching experience and that he looks forward to meeting staff, students and families and to a smooth transition.

The board closed the meeting after formalizing the appointment and approved adjournment.