Dr. Erin M. Simon, Superintendent

Dr. Erin M. Simon is a seasoned and visionary education leader known for driving transformational change, particularly in the service of marginalized student populations. With over two decades of experience in public education, Dr. Simon brings a powerful blend of systems leadership, equity-driven advocacy, and community-centered service to her role as Superintendent of Bellflower Unified School District.

Before her appointment in Bellflower, Dr. Simon served as the Associate Superintendent for Special Programs Support and Transformation at the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), where she supported 80 school districts and led innovative initiatives to uplift youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Her work across Los Angeles County positioned her as a key change agent, designing solutions that addressed deeply rooted inequities in access, opportunity, and student support.

Before joining LACOE, Dr. Simon served as the Assistant Superintendent of School Support Services for Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD)—California’s fourth-largest school system. There, she oversaw major divisions including Special Education, Student Support Services, and Family Resource Centers. Under her leadership, LBUSD expanded social-emotional services, improved attendance rates, and eliminated barriers for foster youth, students experiencing homelessness, and other historically underserved groups. She led a large cross-functional team and managed substantial department budgets with both compassion and precision.

Dr. Simon began her career in the classroom at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, California, and later served as a high school dean and site principal in Redondo Beach, California. These early leadership roles laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to equity, excellence, and advocacy for students often left at the margins.

Her impact has been widely recognized. Dr. Simon was honored in the California Attorney General’s report for her success in reducing elementary chronic absenteeism and received the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s IMPACT Award for her innovative work supporting at-promise youth. In 2022–23, she served as President of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the state, where she led bold efforts to amplify the voices of vulnerable students across California.

Dr. Simon holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from San Jose State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from California State University, Long Beach. She is a frequent speaker on issues of equity, mental health in schools, and systems transformation, and has received numerous awards for her leadership in policy and practice.

Today, as Superintendent of Bellflower Unified, Dr. Simon is committed to building a culture where every student is known, every voice is valued, and every school is ready, championing innovation, access, and belonging at every level of the system.