dr. wade smith, CCM ADBIA
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Bio
Dr. Wade Smith joined Walla Walla Public Schools in 2016, serving as its 16th superintendent over its 165 year history. Prior to leading Walla Walla Schools, he spent nine years in the Hermiston School District, first as an Assistant Superintendent before being promoted to Deputy Superintendent. Prior to joining Hermiston, he served as the Assistant Superintendent for the Morrow County School District. With over twenty five years in educational experience, Wade has worked as a classroom teacher, elementary and secondary principal, central office administrator, and Superintendent.
Smith grew up near Beaverton, OR. A first-generation college student, he attended Willamette University, earning his Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry. While at Willamette, Wade met his future wife, Marianne. They enrolled and completed the Masters in Education program together, have been happily married for over twenty-five years, and have two adult daughters.
First starting out as a high school science teacher, Wade then pursued his principal and superintendent credentials through Lewis and Clark College. He later earned his doctorate in education, his dissertation focused on construction delivery models associated with K-12 capital referenda. Over his career, he has led numerous successful bond and levy measures, overseeing hundreds of millions of dollars in capital improvements across multiple districts. A Certified Construction Manager from the Construction Management Association of America, and Associate Design-Build Certified from the DBIA, Wade has presented multiple times at state and national educational conferences on topics such as school bonds/levies, construction delivery models, campaign strategies and district branding/marketing. He has also been asked to present on educational finance, equity and belonging, and educational leadership.
In 2021 Dr. Smith was recognized by the Washington Association of School Administrator's with the Robert J. Handy Most Effective Leader Award for all large school districts in Washington State. Smith also received a WASA Student Achievement Leadership Award in 2021 for improving outcomes for students by closing the graduation gap for Latino students. Dr. Smith has served on a number of state committees, workgroups, and advisory roles advocating for improved school facilities, educational funding and student experiences.
When he is not busy supporting either community or district events, you are likely to find Wade spending time recreating in the mountains as an avid outdoorsman.