SMFC Chooses New Superintendent

Dr. Cynthia (Cyndy) Simms has been chosen as the new San Mateo Foster City School District Superintendent, officials announced today. 

“We are excited to have Dr. Simms as our new Superintendent. She has a proven record of helping schools achieve academic excellence for all students. She will bring the experience we need to meet the challenges facing our schools,” said Board President Mark Hudak.

Currently the , Simms will now replace Dr. Pendery Clark on July 6. Clark is retiring after 10 years as Superintendent.

"Dr. Simms is experienced in interest-based bargaining with public employee unions and is known for her collaborative approach to the issues facing public schools. She is well-versed in budget matters and authored a resource book titled A Handbook for Coping with Decelerating Resources for the Colorado Department of Education," the SMFC school district said in a statement.

Simms has 23 years combined experience  as a superintendent. Previously, she served as superintendent for the Walnut Valley Unified School District in California, Placerville Union School District in California, Mercer Island School District in Washington and Steamboat Springs School District in Colorado.

Simms received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Bethany College, has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Denver and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Virginia, majoring in Special Education. She received her Doctorate Degree in School Administration from the University of Denver in 1985.

"I have admired the unique opportunities that San Mateo-Foster City offers its students and their families for several years. The varied choices of International Baccalaureate, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish immersion, Montessori K-8, S.T.E.M., Visual Performing Arts, year-round calendar---offered through a public school setting---are indicative of the future of public education," Simms said. "One approach doesn't fit all. Our job as educators is to ensure that all students
achieve at a proficient or advanced level academically as well as socially, emotionally, and physically---learning through programs of instruction that best match their interests and learning styles."