Growing up just north of the Twin Cities I would never have pictured myself living on the Minnesota and Canadian Border, but here I am. You might be thinking, “What would ever bring a person that far north?” Well, what brought me north was my husband’s job. He is a conservation officer in Koochiching County. We have been living in the area going on five years, where we are raising our two beautiful daughters and putting down our own roots.
I previously worked in public education in many different capacities. Before my current position, I was a school bus router, school bus driver, an elementary teacher, paraprofessional, and even a gym teacher. My passion for sports really drove my love for teaching physical education to students.
The last year I worked in public education, the school I was at was impacted by a closure. I was in a state of limbo, not knowing what to do next. Jobs in International Falls are not easy to come by. With the support of my husband, Curtis, I was able to finish my master’s degree in educational administration and stay home with our daughters.
Springtime came, and I was wrapping up my schooling. I received a message from a former coworker letting me know that the principal position at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School was open. I went back and forth about applying until my husband said, “You have to apply, the timing is too perfect.” Perfect it was. God’s timing is always perfect.
I started at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in May 2024, and I could tell right away that this was a special place. The students and staff are kind, respectful, energetic, and have a love for Jesus. I was excited to embark on this journey.
We have accomplished a lot in the short time I have been here. For example, our preschool program is almost full! Enrollment at St. Thomas is rising! This year, we added sixth grade, making us a full-time preschool to sixth grade elementary.
Additionally, with the help provided by Catholic Schools Center of Excellence (CSCOE), we purchased new laptop computers. We have invested in our marketing efforts, updated our facilities structure, updated our school security, and updated our lighting in the main hallway. Additionally, we were able to reintroduce a music program this year. I can feel the Holy Spirit working through our building.
We have many exciting things happening here. I am proud to be in this leadership position and proud of our school. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School is approaching our 100th anniversary. What a pillar in our community it is, and I can’t help but think that God put me in this position for a reason.
“You were made for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
Kaylee Simonson is administrator of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in International Falls.