Smith hopes to keep CDA school board seat

Rebecca Smith has announced her campaign for School Board Trustee Zone 5. She has held the seat since November 2019 after a unanimous appointment to the board.

Smith serves as Vice Chair of the board and is in her second year of work with the Long Range Planning Committee.

“I believe quality public education makes a lifelong and generational impact in the lives of kids, families, and communities,” Smith said in a press release.

During her time on the board, Smith has advocated for expansion of full-day kindergarten, supported completion of the district's strategic plan, facilitated the adjustment of school attendance zones, and promoted passage of the successful 2021 school levy.

She currently serves as the Associate Director of Lutherhaven Ministries, a local nonprofit youth and family camp and retreat center.

Smith has over 20 years of leadership experience in youth and family program development, retreat and event planning, and outdoor education. She said she's especially proud to have established Lutherhaven’s partnership with SD 271 in 1998 to ensure Trail Creek programs continue for local 6th grade students.

Smith has a B.A. in Outdoor Recreation Management and Leadership from Western Washington University.

“As I walk through our schools, I see our students surrounded by exceptional educators committed to continually raising the bar of excellence for Coeur d’Alene’s public schools," she said. "And despite the adversity we continue to navigate, I see a bright future for our district reflecting the tremendous heart, passion, and commitment to students of leadership and staff. I want to be a part of listening, learning, and helping lead our district in pursuit of educational excellence, and 21st century graduate preparedness.”

Smith and her husband, Stephen, have called Coeur d’Alene home for 23 years and are the parents of three children: Sam, Lucy and Mercy who are all enrolled in the Coeur d’Alene School District. Smith is a product of the public school system and the daughter and granddaughter of public school teachers.