CVUSD deputy superintendent, others retire
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Dr. Richard Simpson

As a math major in college, Dr. Richard Simpson never knew he would follow in his father's footsteps, taking on a career in school administration.

"My dad was my high school principal," Simpson said. "That was fine when I needed lunch money, but not so great when I got my 10th tardy to my English class."

His father retired as an assistant superintendent at Ventura Unified, an irony not lost on Simpson as he begins his last month at CVUSD, serving as deputy superintendent before he retires June 29.

Simpson was one of 47 employees who were honored at Conejo Valley Unified School District's 24th annual retirement recognition ceremony earlier this month.

"I was never one of those people who had a five-year plan," Simpson said. "If I did, I don't think I would have gotten into things I otherwise wouldn't have found, and I wouldn't have enjoyed them so much if I had planned it. The things I've done came about because my career moved that way. Opportunities came by and I thought, 'I want to do that.'"

After graduating from UC Santa Barbara with a bachelor's in economics, Simpson said, he realized that a career in math would take him away from people, a sacrifice he wasn't willing to make. He made the move to education, earning a master's in the subject, and later earned a doctorate in special education administration.

Simpson worked at Ventura Unified for a decade. Near the end of that period he began getting involved in special education programs, serving as the district's special education advocacy facilitator and the principal of the special education summer session.

When he arrived at CVUSD in 1980, Simpson came on as the director of special education and special services, a title he held for six years.

"While at Santa Barbara I was the head resident in charge of dorms, and I really enjoyed the counseling aspect of that," Simpson said. "I went from counseling to psychology to Ventura working with hearing-impaired children. My career broadened out to work with other children with disabilities and then broadened full spectrum to working for all kids."

Simpson was promoted to assistant superintendent, instructional services in 1986 and was named deputy superintendent last year.

"I've really made an effort to provide quality services," he said. "I tried to approach it from wearing a parent hat. I have two children who went from kindergarten to high school in this district. I always try to look through their eyes and my eyes- that this is what I would want for my kids."

As for what's next, Simpson is taking it one step at a time, planning little aside from some rest and relaxation.

"The experts tell you to wait six to 12 months without taking any significant steps," he said. "I have a cabin in northern Idaho that we'll spend some time at until it gets cold. Some consulting things have already come by, and I'm looking at those that are shortterm- I'm not interested in anything else."

Simpson is planning a few minitrips to see some of his favorite musicians up close and personal.

"I like to go to concerts at small venues, everything from country to retro," he said. "So I have some tickets for a lot of (upcoming) shows, and I'm really looking forward to that."

Simpson's daughter is a high school science teacher in Northern California. His son is finishing a doctorate program in genetics, specializing in cancer research.

Simpson will leave the district at the end of the month.

Other retirees include: Christel Arguijo, Kathy Bonn, Judy Bowers, Kristi Colell, Doris Crain, Jeanne Cronin, Sandra DeGrand, Barbara Detmer, Donna Doman, Ellen Droshe, Pat Dziegielewski, Kristy Enright, Pamela Erickson, Juanita Escoto, Jack Farrell, Barbara Gooch, Thomas Gordon, Carol Hnat, Gale Hutchins, Don Jackson, Dennis Judd, Henry Keller, Ken Koch, Nancy Landy and Susan Lipman.

Also, Yolanda Manfredonia, Geraldine Mankey, Louis "Tony" Martinez, Marolyn McElroy, Jan Morrow-Bell, Judith Mrak, James O'Brien, George Peraza, Cynthia Perry, Sue Plutte, Toni Russell, Carolyn Rutherford, Gary Salazar, Shelley Sandler, Tony Santiago, Lynne Steensma, Kathleen Turner, Marjorie Vandezande, Regena Ward, Lynda Weeks and Doug Whitney.