Founding of Simley High School
First opened in 1961, Simley High School got its name from the superintendent from South St. Paul Irwin T. Simley.
WHO WAS SIMLEY?
With his Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and his Masters of Arts degree from Columbia University in New York, I.T. Simley eventually began his career as a superintendent of schools in North Dakota and eventually South St. Paul until he retired in 1957. Throughout his time as superintendent, he also reflected his love for education in magazine articles and published two books including a book, High School and You, on the foundations and principles of high school education. One writer and reader, Evelyn Rodriguez, noted, “it appeared that high school wasn't compulsory in 1937, so the tone of the book is to give guidance to pupils on why they should consider attending high school and how to make the best use of their time there by selecting the best-suitable electives for their unique talents and needs.”
WHAT BROUGHT SIMLEY TO INVER GROVE
Although Simley “retired” as the superintendent of South St. Paul’s school district, his work was much needed and so the Inver Grove-Pine Bend District 199 brought Simley in to advise the infancy of the new school district. The district honored him and name the high school after Simley.
GROWTH OF SIMLEY HIGH SCHOOL
While experiencing a slight construction delay in June of 1960 due to a carpenter strike, the school would eventually be opened in 1961. Before being called ISD 199, Simley High School would be a part of the Inver Grove-Pine Bend District that began as the merger of the Inver Grove Township and Pine Bend School District.
Needing a principal for a new high school, the school district hired former LeRoy High School principal Vernon Larson as the principal for Simley High School. As enrollment rapidly increased in the district, Simley High School needed to expand. In 1966, the city approved a two-story addition to the school to be finished by 1968. With this expansion, the same high school that enrolled just under 600 students in 1962 was already expecting 1,600 students in the upcoming fall of 1967. Simley expansion eventually brought along the addition of a swimming pool and an industrial arts department, development of parts of the high school facing 80th Street, and the 2015 expansion including a new Performing Arts Center and student spaces.
SIMLEY’S LASTING IMPACT
I.T. Simley passed away on June 10, 1967. Although he was no longer physically present, Simley's influence played a crucial role in the developing years of ISD 199 and Simley High School. His work as the consultant would help create the long-lasting success of administrative and educational departments within ISD 199. The district would continue to grow throughout the years, as more and more students found educational opportunities at Simley High School, the school that I.T Simley helped establish.