Dr. Sherine Smith earned criticism from district parents and residents who allegedly pressured her to resign due to her unpopular practices.
Dr. Sherine Smith, embattled left-wing educator and current challenger for a seat on the Board of Trustees for Capistrano Unified School District Board (CUSD), must account for her past decision-making that sparked the ire of parents in her old stomping grounds.
Smith has been a prolific educator for decades, serving as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. During her career, she faced criticism for opposing conservative ideology and participating in the so-called “woke” agenda that promotes infamous policies like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Stemming from her perceived liberal ideology, Smith’s controversies have made her a target for conservative critics in Orange County.
However, confidential sources ask voters to be cautious when considering her position in one of the largest school districts in Orange County as details surrounding her retirement as superintendent of the Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) remain controversial.
Smith retired from her post in 2016 after serving six years with the South Orange County school district.
In a statement at the time, she lauded LBUSD’s progress in district enrollments and updated curriculum and technology for student access under her leadership.
However, Smith also earned criticism from district parents and residents who allegedly pressured her to resign due to her unpopular practices.
When Smith was hired, there was significant community debate over the process and her selection, which some felt needed to be more transparent. It wasn’t until two of her colleagues at LBUSD resigned after questions circulated about Smith’s alleged hiring cronyism.
Smith announced her candidacy for CUSD Board of Trustees Area 3 last year, saying on her campaign’s website that the district needs to “stop wasting time and energy on fruitless infighting and put the focus on the classroom.”
In her last bid for educational administration, Smith ran for the Orange County Board of Education’s (OCBOE) District 5 representative in 2022 against Incumbent Lisa Sparks, who defeated Smith in the general election.
Smith, endorsed by the Democratic Party of Orange County, will attempt to unseat Trustee Area 3 Lisa Davis this November.
