Bobbi Lee Simpson Leads Ada Deer Elementary
The veteran educator begins her first year as principal of the Madison school, formerly known as Conrad A. Elvehjem Elementary.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Administration
In 2026, Bobbi Lee Simpson is serving her first year as the principal of Ada Deer Elementary in Madison. The school, previously named Conrad A. Elvehjem Elementary, is now under the leadership of a veteran educator with a long history of teaching.
Why it matters
Simpson sought the role to provide representation for students and to support children of color whom she observed were overidentified in special education. Her goal is to act as a source of inspiration for students who rarely saw educators that looked like her.
Simpson brings 15 years of experience as a cross-categorical teacher to her new role. She gained her administrative eligibility by completing the District Leadership Preparation Pipeline in 2025.
The players
Bobbi Lee Simpson
She is the principal of Ada Deer Elementary and a veteran educator who previously worked as a teacher for 15 years.
Ada Deer Elementary
This is a Madison school formerly known as Conrad A. Elvehjem Elementary.
The details
Before stepping into administration, Simpson spent over a decade working as a cross-categorical teacher. She pursued additional training through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to earn her state credentials alongside the District Leadership Preparation Pipeline.
Timeline
1990s: Simpson moved to Minnesota and began her education career.
2020: Simpson began the Summer Principal Academy at Columbia University.
2025: Simpson completed the District Leadership Preparation Pipeline.
2026: Simpson is serving in her first year as principal.
Culture Shift
The appointment reflects a broader trend of educators transitioning from long-term teaching roles into administration to address specific equity gaps. By completing the District Leadership Preparation Pipeline, Simpson represents a movement toward targeted leadership training in public education.
Families with students at Ada Deer Elementary will see a change in leadership as Simpson begins her tenure. Her background as a cross-categorical teacher may influence how the school handles special education identifications and student support moving forward.
The takeaway
Simpson serves as a new model for educators looking to translate classroom experience into systemic change for their students. Her transition highlights the importance of specific state-backed leadership programs in preparing teachers for administrative roles.
Further reading
For more on local school leadership changes, visit the Madison Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Madison365.
