Ada Deer Elementary Names New Principal for 2026
Principal Bobbi Lee Simpson brings 15 years of teaching experience to the leadership role at the Madison school.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Administration
Bobbi Lee Simpson is currently serving her first year as principal of the newly renamed Ada Deer Elementary in Madison. She transitioned into this leadership role in 2026 after completing the District Leadership Preparation Pipeline.
Why it matters
Her appointment represents a shift in local school leadership, as Simpson brings 15 years of experience as a teacher to the administration of the former Conrad A. Elvehjem Elementary. She aims to serve as a role model for students and address systemic issues such as the over-identification of children of color in special education.
Principal Simpson holds 15 years of classroom experience, having served as a cross-categorical teacher prior to her current administration role. Her credentials include the 2020 Columbia University Summer Principal Academy and the 2025 District Leadership Preparation Pipeline.
The players
Bobbi Lee Simpson
The current principal of Ada Deer Elementary who brings 15 years of teaching experience to school administration.
Ada Deer Elementary
A Madison school formerly known as Conrad A. Elvehjem Elementary currently under new leadership.
The details
Simpson attained her current position by completing the District Leadership Preparation Pipeline program and supplementary coursework via the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Her career began in Minnesota during the 1990s, where she built the foundation for her later move into school administration. She now leads the school formerly known as Conrad A. Elvehjem Elementary with a focus on representation and equitable student support.
Timeline
1990s: Simpson began her education career in Minnesota.
2020: Simpson attended the Columbia University Summer Principal Academy.
2025: Simpson finished the District Leadership Preparation Pipeline.
2026: Simpson serves her first year as principal.
The Home Front
The transition at Ada Deer Elementary reflects a broader focus in Madison on aligning local administration with state-level leadership preparation standards. These requirements help ensure that educators moving into principal roles have specialized training in district-level management.
Parents of students at Ada Deer Elementary should look for upcoming school communications regarding new administrative policies or programs. If your child requires specific academic accommodations, this transition period is an appropriate time to review their current educational plan with the new staff.
The takeaway
Simpson aims to increase representation and improve equity for students of color within the district. Families interested in school governance can track upcoming district meetings to see how these administrative updates affect local school operations and student support services.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership changes across the city in Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Madison365.
