Dr. Ryan Smith
Deputy Superintendent
Bellflower Unified School District
Irvine, California
About Dr. Ryan Smith
Dr. Ryan Smith is an accomplished educational leader with over 25 years of experience in public education. He currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of the Bellflower Unified School District, a position he has held since June 2024. Dr. Smith began his career during his college years in San Diego, where a chance encounter with St. Mary’s College basketball coach Randy Bennett inspired him to pursue teaching and coaching. He holds a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Southern California, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Chapman University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from California State University, San Marcos.
Throughout his career, Dr. Smith has held various leadership positions, including Superintendent of the Monrovia Unified School District, Assistant Superintendent of the Paramount Unified School District, and high school principal. He has expertise in strategic planning, communications, labor relations, budgeting, and school safety. Under his leadership, Monrovia USD was ranked among the Top 1,000 school districts nationally by Niche and received recognition for its PBIS implementation and AP program excellence.
Dr. Smith has championed initiatives such as the “Portrait of a Graduate” to prepare students for life beyond high school and advocated for high-dosage tutoring to address learning setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also contributed to discussions on grading reforms, educational equity, and crisis management.
Dr. Smith is actively involved in professional development and advocacy, presenting at conferences on topics like educational equity and project-based learning. He holds memberships in several professional organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators and the Association of California School Administrators. Dr. Smith resides in Irvine, California, with his wife Jennifer and their yorkie-poo Quentin Bear.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Media
Press
High Dosage Tutoring Identified as Key to Academic Recovery: Insights from From Dr. Ryan Smith, Experienced Education Leader and Former Monrovia Superintendent
Read the full article ›A Message from Monrovia Unified Regarding the Selection of New Superintendent Dr. Ryan Smith
Read the full article ›Awards & Recognition
Licenses & Certifications
Boards & Memberships
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dr. Ryan Smith do?
Dr. Ryan Smith is the Deputy Superintendent of the Bellflower Unified School District, a position he has held since June 2024. He is an educational leader with over 25 years of experience in public education, with expertise in strategic planning, communications, labor relations, budgeting, and school safety.
What is Dr. Ryan Smith known for?
Dr. Ryan Smith is known for his leadership as former Superintendent of Monrovia Unified School District, where the district was ranked among the Top 1,000 school districts nationally by Niche. He has championed initiatives such as the "Portrait of a Graduate" and high-dosage tutoring, and has spoken publicly on educational equity, grading reforms, and crisis management including school swatting incidents.
Where is Dr. Ryan Smith based?
Dr. Ryan Smith resides in Irvine, California.
Where did Dr. Ryan Smith study?
Dr. Ryan Smith holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Southern California, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Chapman University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from California State University, San Marcos.
Who does Dr. Ryan Smith work for?
Dr. Ryan Smith works for the Bellflower Unified School District, where he serves as Deputy Superintendent.
Last updated February 20, 2026