The USD 490 Board of Education approved hiring Thomas Simmons as the new El Dorado Middle School Principal beginning July 1, 2023, during their board meeting on Apr. 10. The current middle school principal, Karla King, will be stepping into a new role leading the USD 490 Virtual School and El Dorado High School Extend Campus.
Simmons completed his first bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology/Athletic Training and later earned a second bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a licensure for grades Kindergarten through ninth. He began his teaching career in Garden City public schools in 2003, where he taught for four years before moving to the Nickerson school district in 2007 and then Belle Plaine in 2016.
In May 2022, he completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership (PreK-12) and was hired as the Director of Experiential Learning/School Administrator in Belle Plaine. As part of that role, he helped implement Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and Project Based Learning (PBL) as well as assisting with grant writing, KESA monitoring, and other supervisory responsibilities.
"The middle school years are a time of extraordinary growth and change for students,” Simmons said. “I am excited to have an opportunity to make a difference, whether it's helping students navigate challenges, supporting staff in their professional growth, or building relationships with families. I am thrilled to be #PartOfThePride."
Please help us welcome Thomas Simmons to the USD 490 family. We look forward to having him as #PartOfThePride!
