ELYSIAN FIELDS, Texas - Elysian Fields ISD Superintendent Monica Simmons has resigned effective July 31 after working at the district for years, the last three as superintendent.
“I will miss the students, staff and community but know they will continue to soar under new leadership,” Simmons said in a statement.
She submitted her resignation in a special called meeting.
Board President Julie Simmons said trustees will begin a search for a new superintendent immediately.
"We are grateful for Monica Simmons and all that she has given to our district over the last 23 years," Julie Simmons said in a statement. "She has been an integral part of EFISD and has led with tremendous passion and desire to make our district the best it can be for our students and staff. We truly wish her nothing but the best as she pursues other endeavors for herself and her wonderful family."
Monica Simmons was tapped as Elysian Fields' superintendent in March 2022 following the retirement of longtime Superintendent Maynard Chapman, who had served the district for 41 years, the last 11 of which as superintendent.
She was assistant superintendent before being named the district's new chief in summer 2021, which was her 19th year at Elysian Fields. She also has served as the district’s curriculum director, federal programs director, testing coordinator and teacher.
Monica Simmons joined the district in 2002 as a student teacher and then became a first-grade teacher. She worked in the district for five years before serving a year in Marshall ISD as a reading interventionist at William B. Travis Elementary School.
She returned to Elysian Fields in 2009, serving as an eighth-grade English and language arts teacher between 2009-12 and a third grade teacher from 2012-17. She was the assistant principal at Elysian Fields Elementary School from 2017-19 before being named the curriculum director.
Monica Simmons was named the 2013-14 Elysian Fields Elementary Teacher of the Year, the 2019 TEPSA Region 7 Assistant Principal of the Year and the Marshall News Messenger and Wiley College Black History Month Now Winner in 2020.
This year, she was one of 11 recipients of the 2025 Women of Virtue Pearls and Tea Awards, honoring local women for contributions made throughout Marshall and Harrison County. Simmons was recognized for her contributions in education.
The district’s most recent accomplishment under her leadership was the February groundbreaking of a new multi-million dollar elementary school. The 76,000-square-foot building will be home to pre-K through fifth-grade classes. It will feature a state-of-the-art tornado shelter, a gymnatorium to serve the district and community, an interior courtyard play area and more.
The new addition and improvements are part of a successful $55 million bond election.
Monica Simmons expressed her appreciation in her resignation letter that it has been her privilege to serve the students, staff, and community of Elysian Fields.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this district and deeply appreciative of the support I have received during my time here,” she wrote. “As I step away, I do so with a genuine belief that the next chapter of leadership will bring fresh perspective and new energy to help move the district further than I ever could.
“I remain committed to supporting a smooth transition and will do everything I can to ensure continued stability and progress in the weeks ahead,” she added. “I wish the board, the district, and the entire Elysian Fields community the very best in the future.”