A Life Built Around
Showing Up
Yuri Smith didn't come to public service through politics. He came to it through classrooms.
He started as Dean of Students at Goodwill Education Initiatives, where he built a discipline system rooted in due process rather than mere punishment, cutting suspensions by 35 percent and discipline referrals by 45 percent. From there, he moved into enrollment and outreach, helping to open nine new Excel Centers across Indianapolis and ensuring families in every corner of the city knew there was a school ready to meet them where they were.
He went on to lead community programs at the Center for Leadership Development, coordinating school and community-based programming across Indianapolis. Then he spent years as Lead Instructor at Indy's Inner City Chess, where he helped more than 450 students grow their reading and writing skills, using culturally responsive lessons that got every one of his students to hit proficiency growth, and cut out-of-class suspensions by 60 percent along the way.
Today Yuri works as a College and Careers Advisor at Christel House Indianapolis, helping the next generation of Indianapolis students figure out what comes after graduation. He holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from Indiana University Indianapolis and a Bachelor's in History and Political Science from Franklin College.
But the resume only tells half the story. Yuri is President of the Riverside Civic League. He sits on the board of Parks Alliance and serves as a Board Member and Community Engagement Chair for Indy Shakespeare. He is the former President and Director of Programs for the Ian Smith Foundation.
He coaches. He mentors. He shows up.
Yuri Smith Sr:
A Champion for Our Students and Community
Yuri Smith Sr. is a committed educator and community leader running for the IPS District 5 School Board. With a passion for serving students and families and a wealth of experience in educational settings, Yuri is dedicated to ensuring that every child in Indianapolis has access to quality education and the support they need to thrive.
A Journey Rooted in Service
Yuri’s educational journey began as a community volunteer in the very IPS school he once attended. His dedication and natural ability to connect with students and families caught the attention of an IPS principal. Recognizing his potential, the principal encouraged him to use his Bachelor’s degree in education to make a meaningful impact as a classroom instructor within the very school system that shaped him. This pivotal moment set the stage for a fulfilling career in education.
Diverse Educational Experience
Yuri has transitioned through various educational roles, including his time at Goodwill’s Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, where he gained valuable insights into the charter school model. His experience extends to innovation schools and nonprofit organizations, such as the Center for Leadership Development. At CLD, he played a crucial role in creating a strategic framework for community programs, collaborating with youth-serving organizations to address the needs of underserved areas effectively.
Consulting for Student Success
Today, Yuri continues to support schools by consulting and providing out-of-school program services. His initiatives include chess programming and comprehensive after-school activities, designed to create enriching environments where students can develop their skills, build confidence, and explore their potential.
Community Commitment
As a proud product of the Riverside area, Yuri understands the importance of family and community support, in collaboration with a child’s education provider. He is dedicated to planting seeds of opportunity for the next generation, ensuring that every child knows they are worthy of greatness.
Yuri Smith Jr. is ready to bring his expertise and passion for education to the IPS Board of School Commissioners, advocating for every student in District 5. Join him in building a brighter future for our community, where each child has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
"I've spent my whole career trying to fix the gaps nobody else noticed. That's exactly the job I want on the school board."
