Ray Simon
Deputy Secretary, Department of Education

As deputy secretary, Raymond Simon plays a pivotal role in policy and management issues affecting elementary and secondary education. Specifically, he directs, coordinates and recommends policy for programs designed to assist state and local education agencies with: improving the achievement of elementary and secondary school students; helping ensure equal access to services leading to such improvement for all children, particularly children who are economically disadvantaged; fostering educational improvement at the state and local levels; and providing financial assistance to local education agencies whose local revenues are affected by federal activities.

Simon was director of the Arkansas Department of Education.a position he held until his appointment by President Bush. He also served as superintendent of the Conway (Ark.) School District from 1991 to 1997.

A native of Conway, Ark., Simon has been involved in Arkansas education since 1966, when he began his career as a mathematics teacher at North Little Rock High School. During his tenure in the Conway public school system, he held various positions. In addition, he was an adjunct professor at the University of Central Arkansas Graduate School, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Arkansas State University at Beebe, where he taught educational technology and school finance.

He received a bachelor's degree in mathematics/accounting as well as a master's degree in mathematics, both from the University of Central Arkansas. He also holds an educational specialist degree in school administration from the University of Arkansas.

Simon and his wife, Phyllis, have one married daughter and one grandson.