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The United States Senate confirmed Raymond Simon to the position of United States Deputy Secretary of Education on May 26, 2005. As Deputy Secretary, he plays a pivotal role overseeing and managing the development of policies, recommendations and initiatives that help define a broad, coherent vision for achieving the President's education priorities, especially the No Child Left Behind Act. He also provides overall supervision and direction of program organizations of the Department. He had previously served as the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education.

Simon was the Chief State School Officer for Arkansas for six years—a position he held until his initial appointment by President Bush. He also served as superintendent of the Conway (Arkansas) School District from 1991 to 1997.

A native of Conway, Arkansas, Simon has been involved in Arkansas education since 1966, when he began his career as a mathematics teacher at North Little Rock High School. While at North Little Rock, he was also Director of School Food Services and Director of Computer Services until moving back to Conway to serve as Assistant Superintendent for Finance. In addition, he has been an adjunct professor for both educational technology and school finance at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

He received a bachelor's and master's degree in mathematics from the University of Central Arkansas, and holds an educational specialist degree in school administration from the University of Arkansas.

Simon and his wife, Phyllis, have one married daughter and two grandchildren, Alex and Ana.

http://www.ed.gov/news/staff/bios/simon.html