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SALT LAKE CITY — Brad Smith announced his resignation Wednesday as state superintendent of public instruction after taking the job 15 months ago.
The Utah State Board of Education appointed Smith to the position in November 2014, replacing Martell Menlove. Previously, Smith served as superintendent of the Ogden School District for three years and as a licensed attorney.
Smith began a 90-day medical leave of absence on Jan. 8, but a State School Board spokeswoman declined to elaborate on the reasons for his resignation. Smith could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
In a resignation letter to the State School Board leadership, Smith noted that after his appointment, he was often asked how long he intended to serve.
"I would generally answer that I would serve as long as I felt I was making a positive contribution to education in Utah," the letter states. "I have regrettably come to the conclusion that I am no longer able to make a positive contribution as state superintendent."
The State School Board is expected to discuss reorganizing the superintendency Thursday.
Sydnee Dickson, who served as deputy superintendent at the Utah State Office of Education under Smith's leadership, has been serving as acting state superintendent of public instruction during his absence. Dickson will continue in that role until new leadership is appointed, according to State School Board spokeswoman Emilie Wheeler.
Smith's leadership methods have sparked controversy because of widespread administrative reorganization, both while leading the Ogden School District and the Utah State Office of Education. In Ogden, the changes led roughly half of the district's 725 teachers to leave during his three-year tenure.
But education leaders point out vast academic improvements in the district during his time there, largely due to a focus on data-driven instruction and working to close performance gaps between student subgroups. Smith took a similar approach at the state office, driving progress on developing a strategic statewide education plan and the implementation of Utah's School Turnaround and Leadership Development Act, a measure aimed at helping struggling schools.
"Brad Smith is a true education visionary whose focus on evidence-based reforms has moved the needle in ensuring that all students are college- and career-ready for the 21st century," said David Thomas, first vice chairman of the board.
Board leaders also credit Smith with forming an effective administrative team at the state office, including several associate superintendents appointed within the past year.
"He assembled a great team, and we are confident in their abilities to continue working to improve student outcomes while working cooperatively with multiple community partners," said State School Board Chairman David Crandall.
Smith noted in his resignation letter that the state education office's new administrative team has helped repair a "fractured relationship" between education leaders and the Utah Legislature.
"I am proud that I leave this office in a stronger position than I found it," he said. "The people who have been willing to work with me are the very best, and I thank them for their dedication and patience."
Smith also described improving educational outcomes for students as "the single-most important public issue in Utah," and that educational equity for all students and systematic measures of the efficacy of Utah's education system "are issues of the highest importance to children and our state.
"I hope to continue to make a contribution to the achievement of these ends," he said.
