“I’m excited to help continue the long tradition of excellence in Benicia schools.”

Press Release, August  5, 2026

Former Benicia Councilman and schoolteacher Dan Smith is vowing to put students first as he launches his candidacy for Benicia Unified School District board of trustees.

“I’m excited to help continue the long tradition of excellence in Benicia schools,” said Smith, who would represent the city’s Eastside (Zone 1) on the board.

Smith, 69, has lived on the Eastside since 1988 and served on many city boards and commissions including his election to the City Council in 2001.

“I have spent every year since 2012 teaching, and I love helping guide students of Benicia, Vallejo and Contra Costa County,” said the candidate. “During that time I have seen what works for students in the classroom and what doesn’t.”

A 1980 graduate of UC Berkeley, Smith is a credentialed history and social science teacher as well as an author and award-winning journalist. Both his daughters attended Benicia public schools and also graduated UC Berkeley.

Dan and his wife of 38 years, Diana, led Operation Playground to build the Playground of Dreams in City Park. They are now working with the city and a volunteer team to restore and improve the playground.

Smith is chairman and vice-chairman, respectively of the Citizen Advisory Committees for the Solano Open Space agency and Soltrans, the Benicia bus system.

If you have questions for or about Dan Smith, visit danforbenicia.org or call him at 707-747-6706.