Former Alachua County superintendent Carlee Simon has landed a new gig where she will continue to work in education but in a town far, far away.
In fact, it’s almost the farthest possible location in the U.S.
Simon, 46, announced on Facebook that she has accepted a job as interim dean for the University of Alaska Southeast’s School of Education. The position comes with a two-year contract that will allow the former district leader to reassess her options and apply for the permanent role if she chooses.
In her role, she will work on accreditation and recruit teachers, among other tasks.
“I’m very pleased to be able to continue to be in the education field,” she said. “I met the community in Juneau, Alaska and they’re very proud of their education in K-12 and higher ed. I’m glad I have the opportunity to continue this work because I think it’s very purpose driven.
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Working in Alachua
Simon was tapped for Alachua County’s interim superintendent job in December 2020 before being named to the permanent position.
During her tenure, the Eastside High graduate was instrumental in establishing a districtwide early literacy program with the University of Florida, known as UFLI. During its first year, the program showed progress in students learning.
She was also the leader behind the district’s rezoning efforts and forming a strategic plan to better address the achievement gap between white and minority students. Much of that work, however, has largely stalled following her termination as superintendent from the previous, more conservative school board.
Simon’s toughest challenge came in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, as she and other educators tried to keep families and students safe from a deadly virus while still learning.
Her stance on requiring masks in schools made her a target for local Republicans, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Board of Education.
“It was an enormous challenge, but I’m proud of that,” she said.
She was a leader of accountability as head of the district, a skillset not widely seen in years prior to or since her tenure.
Simon brought to light a questionable land deal orchestrated by other district employees and led the charge for better financial control and management of Camp Crystal Lake. The two causes drew pushback from some longtime board members and played a role in her ultimate termination.
Florida’s political attack on schools
The landscape of education drastically changed following the pandemic. The state began targeting “critical race theory,” banning textbooks, library books and removing teachers who spoke out or didn’t heed the state’s demands.
Simon said she cares for the district but is scared for students, educators and future potential teachers.
“It’s a hostile work environment for education in Florida right now,” she said. “I’m very concerned about what’s happening around the state. I hope there’s a way out of this.”
Simon said she plans to recruit teachers from Florida to Alaska, hoping to capitalize on some of those concerns.
Also while in Alachua County, Simons created a political committee called Families Deserve Inclusive Schools, which aims to support candidates who believe in public education. Simon has been vocal about protecting education in Florida throughout her time in office and after and has pushed back against conservative groups like Moms for Liberty. She hopes the PAC will further deter the group’s efforts come 2024.
“We don’t believe in banning books and we believe in teaching all of history,” she said.
Moving on
There is a bittersweet farewell that comes with Simon’s new role, she says.
“I value the time I had serving our district as superintendent,” she wrote on Facebook. “I learned so much about myself and about people. We had a strong team and were moving forward. It was painful and joyous at the same time. I am stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate for all the families I served, even the ones that disagreed with my choices. I also saw the savagery of politics and the stooges involved.
“I’ve told many people about my feeling of fulfillment in the superintendency position. The job was exceptionally hard but also the most fulfilling and purposeful position I ever had. When I lost that position I felt rudderless.”
She said she will miss being close to lakes and people who she has known almost her entire life. The August heat, however, is one thing she won’t miss.
Simon said she doesn’t know what the future holds for her or her family and hasn’t entirely ruled out coming back to the Sunshine State.
“My successes in life have always come from my willingness to embrace change,” she wrote.
