When Christine Smith retired from the Red Clay School District after 30 years of service, the teacher turned administrator knew she wanted to volunteer to do something in the Colonial School District where she has lived in Old New Castle for 20 years. What she didn’t know was the opportunity would come just weeks after her retirement. When School Board member Lucy Kennedy moved out of the district in December of 2021, Smith was chosen to fill her seat in January of 2022 until Kennedy’s term expires in May with plans to run for a full five-year term.
“In the back of my mind I knew if there was a seat open on the Colonial School Board I would consider running, I just didn’t realize it would happen that quickly,” Smith says. She recalls starting her career as a student-teacher alongside now Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Menzer at William Penn, adding she knows the importance of putting students first while making certain taxpayers’ money is spent wisely. She also says the district’s Power of We mantra has always resonated with her. “It’s impressive and so inclusive. It’s inclusive of everybody, everyone from district administrators to nutrition workers and bus drivers and it’s very student-focused.”
Smith believes her longtime career in education lends itself to the board. “I’m really excited to serve this community. I think my knowledge of how school districts work and should work will be helpful and I’m just looking forward to serving the interest of the community I’ve lived in for the last 20 years!”
