Dr. Lori Simon
Superintendent of Rapid City Area Schools
First recorded September 29, 2016
Dr. Lori Simon is the superintendent of Rapid City Area Schools. In a conversation with Matt Ehlman of The Numad Group, we'll get to know Dr. Simon, hear her first impressions of Rapid City, her goals for education in our community, and gain a greater perspective on the tough issues we face.
Dr. Simon began her work as superintendent of Rapid City Area Schools on July 1. Prior to arriving in Rapid City, she served as executive director of academics for Robbinsdale Area Schools in Minnesota for six years. In her role, she provided both leadership and supervision for 10 elementary schools and principals, and oversight for teaching and learning, special education, research, evaluation and assessment. She also oversaw Title 1, fine arts education, gifted education, and English language services.
Dr. Simon also helped to implement Robbindale’s United District Vision, which aimed to open pathways to academic excellence for all students, ensuring middle school students would receive the same academic rigor.
Prior to her role at Robbinsdale, she was the assistant principal of St. Paul Public Schools in the Twin Cities, and was promoted to principal after nearly five years on the job. Early in her career, she was a kindergarten teacher and a high school learning disabilities teacher.
Dr. Simon earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, a master’s degree in elementary education and special education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and a doctor of education from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
