Governor Gregoire Announces Appointment of First Education Ombudsman

For Immediate Release: September 1, 2006

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced that she has appointed Adie Simmons as Director of the Office of Education Ombudsman. The Office of the Education Ombudsman will serve as a neutral and independent resource to provide parents and community members with information on parental involvement related to state education standards and programs. The appointment is effective September 18, 2006.

�Ms. Simmons background helping parents and the community get involved in their local school district will be an asset to families across Washington,� said Governor Gregoire. �At my town hall in Everett, a mother shared with me her concerns regarding her son�s education and I promised her that this new office would be able to work with her to find answers.�

Ms. Simmons most recently managed the Office of Family and Community Partnerships for Seattle Public Schools where she advised district administrators on overcoming obstacles to diverse family and community involvement. She directed the Readiness to Learn Program for the Shoreline School District and the Elementary S.A.V.E. program for Mothers Against Violence in America. She has received four PTA Golden Acorn awards for child advocacy, a Washington Excellence in Education award and a National Partnership District Award from Johns Hopkins University.

�I am excited to work with parents and communities to help them participate in our education system to ensure that all children achieve,� said Adie Simmons. �This is a great opportunity to create a comprehensive information and support system for parents in our state so they can become effective partners in education.�

The 2006 Legislature authorized the creation of the Office of Education Ombudsman within the Office of the Governor to assist parents and community members with issues related to public K-12 education.

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