Simaran Bakshi

Simaran Bakshi is an accomplished educational leader with extensive experience in school administration and instruction. Currently serving as Executive Director at IDEA Public Schools since November 2020, Simaran has successfully launched four schools in Jacksonville and manages a team of senior leaders. Prior to this role, Simaran held the position of Vice President of Schools at Wayman Academy of the Arts, where significant improvements were made, raising the school from an "F" to an "A" grade in just two years. Simaran's career includes roles as Assistant Principal at Cedar Hills Elementary School, where rapid grade improvements were achieved, and impactful teaching positions in Title I schools in Florida and India, including as a 6th Grade Teacher and an International Baccalaureate educator. Educational qualifications include a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University and ongoing pursuit of a Doctorate in Education specializing in Instructional Leadership.