Sherine Smith

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Sherine Smith

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Personal

Birthplace

Ukiah, Calif.

Profession

Educator

Contact

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Sherine Smith ran for election to the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees to represent Area 3 in California. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Smith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Sherine Smith was born in Ukiah, California. Her career experience includes working as an educator.

Elections

2024

See also: Capistrano Unified School District, California, elections (2024)

General election

General election for Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Trustee Area 3

Incumbent Lisa Davis defeated Sherine Smith in the general election for Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Trustee Area 3 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Lisa Davis (Nonpartisan)	59.2	16,658
		Sherine Smith (Nonpartisan)	40.8	11,469

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 28,127
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Smith in this election.

2022

See also: Municipal elections in Orange County, California (2022)

General election

General election for Orange County Board of Education District 5

Incumbent Lisa Sparks defeated Sherine Smith in the general election for Orange County Board of Education District 5 on June 7, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Lisa Sparks (Nonpartisan)	64.8	98,682
		Sherine Smith (Nonpartisan)	35.2	53,641

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 152,323
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Sherine Smith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Smith's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent of Schools and was a teacher, activities director, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, high school principal, and deputy superintendent of education in Capistrano Unified School District. No matter my role, I worked hard to ensure high academic standards, effective instructional programs, after school enrichment, and a focus on STEM, while balancing budgets that prioritized resources for classrooms.

It’s time for experienced leadership. My unique skillset means a return to integrity, fiscal responsibility, and common sense. I know how to lead a district, keep our students safe, protect taxpayers, and balance our budgets while collaborating with parents and our community. ● Prioritize academics, arts, and athletics for all students. ● Improve and support student achievement. ● Build critical thinking skills. ● Nurture the diverse gifts and capabilities within each individual. ● Challenge every student and adult learner to strive for excellence. ● Instill commitment and respect for our democratic society. ● Foster confidence ● Upgrade local school facilities including the San Clemente High School pool and Theatre. ● Find solutions by collaborating with staff, parents, and students.

● Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to be ready for college, careers, or military service.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Prioritize academics, arts, and athletics in a safe and supportive environment.
• Direct resources to the classroom.
• Improve and update outdated facilities - air conditioning for Concordia Elementary School, updated pool and theater facilities for San Clemente High School along with sand volleyball courts, and improved maintenance at all schools.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy. Our democracy relies on thoughtful and informed citizens. It is our duty to teach civics, history, and the fundamental principles of our democratic society to students. A high quality public education enables students to pursue rich and fulfilling lives and it provides the foundation for success in college, careers, and the military.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Constitution of the United States and the book Lincoln on Leadership. I have an undergrad history degree with an emphasis on early American history, which has informed my perspective and commitment to public education as the cornerstone of our democracy.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Knowledge of the issues, integrity, transparency, honesty, and effectiveness.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Put students needs first. Ensure every student has access to a high quality education in a safe and supportive environment. Make informed decisions and do not insert political issues that distract the school district from its core mission.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

The primary job, in alignment with the school district mission and vision, is to provide each student with an education of the highest quality.

Who are your constituents?

My constituents include all community members: students, parents, teachers, classified staff, administrators, residents of San Clemente, business owners, and local organizations.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

The school district has a comprehensive and extensive set of goals in its annual Local Control and Accountability Plan. As a board member, it is my responsibility to work with the other board members and school superintendent to ensure the plan is implemented with fidelity and refined as needed, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a high quality education for students in a safe and supportive environment.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

It is essential to be 100% transparent. The budget must be regularly presented at public meetings and posted on the school district website. Public institutions serve the public and people have the right to know how money is budgeted, allocated, and expended. We can only earn credibility by being judicious financial stewards of the taxpayer dollar.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2022

Sherine Smith did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

See also

2024 Elections

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Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Trustee Area 3

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