Dr. Erin M. Simon serves as Superintendent of the Bellflower Unified School District. A seasoned education leader, she is widely recognized for advancing equity-centered, student-focused reforms that improve academic outcomes, strengthen learning environments, and expand access to the supports students need to thrive.
Throughout her career, Dr. Simon has been driven by a singular mission: removing barriers and closing opportunity gaps for historically marginalized student populations, including students with disabilities, youth experiencing homelessness, foster youth, and students impacted by trauma and instability.
Before her appointment in Bellflower, Dr. Simon served as Associate Superintendent for Special Programs Support and Transformation at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the nation’s largest regional education agency. There, she supported nearly 2 million students across 80 school districts and more than 350 charter schools, partnering with district and community leaders to strengthen systems that serve students with complex needs. She also advanced initiatives to improve outcomes for youth involved in the juvenile justice system while building district capacity for inclusive practices and effective student supports.
Previously, as Assistant Superintendent of School Support Services at the Long Beach Unified School District, she oversaw Special Education, Student Support Services, and Family Resource Centers. Leading large cross-functional teams and managing significant budgets, she expanded social-emotional supports, strengthened attendance strategies, and reduced barriers for foster youth and students experiencing homelessness.
Dr. Simon started her career as an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District at Crenshaw High School. She subsequently progressed through various leadership positions, serving as dean of students at Crenshaw High School before taking on roles as assistant principal and principal in the Redondo Beach Unified School District.
Her contributions have been acknowledged in reports by the California Attorney General for their effectiveness in reducing absenteeism. Additionally, she was honored with the IMPACT Award from the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office for her efforts to decrease chronic truancy and support at-risk students. From 2022 to 2023, she served as President of the Association of California School Administrators.
Dr. Simon earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from San Jose State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from California State University, Long Beach.
