My name is Carlee Simon.  I am a mom of three boys in our public education system. I am a child of public educators and an experienced educator with both higher education and K-12 background.  I have been an advocate for public education for over 20 years and most recently served as  the superintendent of Alachua County Public Schools.

 

I hold a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Florida and am completing a second Ph.D. at UF in Design, Construction and Urban Planning, with a focus on addressing educational equity within communities.  I am a published researcher on education finance, policy, and law.  I have been cited by the New Mexico Supreme Court in a monumental school finance decision.  I have received many awards and recognitions associated with my research and advocacy publications and projects.  

 

As the superintendent of Alachua county, I fought the governor over local control and supported my duly elected school board’s decision to protect our community during the COVID surge in fall 2021.  The governor repeatedly threatened, punished, and strong-armed his ideology onto our community and other districts across the state; usurping local control and standardizing public health measures across the state.  The fight for local control gained national recognition and the support of the President and the Secretary of Education. 

 

I fought because I believe in democracy and local control.  Additionally, as a widow, I understand the toll death has on children and the trauma of grief on families.  I was willing to do all things within my power to protect other families from experiencing the pain and loss associated with losing family members to COVID.       

 

The direction of public education in this state is beyond concerning.  I intend to continue with this fight.