My commitment to the children and families of our community has always been rooted in service, advocacy, and opportunity. I was born in Newport and raised in Covington, experiences that shaped my understanding of both the challenges and the incredible potential within our community. I am a proud 1995 graduate of Holmes High School, and my connection to Covington has remained at the center of both my personal and professional journey.

About | Simpson4Covington

I later earned an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts from Monterey Peninsula College, further deepening my appreciation for creativity, culture, and the power of artistic expression. Today, I draw from all of these experiences — military service, education, civic leadership, and community engagement — in my work as an author and advocate for the arts throughout our region.

Kareem Simpson was born in Newport and raised in Covington. He earned an associate's degree in fine arts from Monterey Peninsula College.

After graduating, I served in the United States Army as a non-commissioned officer in the Military Intelligence Branch, where I worked as a Korean Linguist. My military service strengthened my leadership skills, discipline, and ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds while remaining focused on mission, accountability, and service to others.

Professionally, Simpson has dedicated his career to serving low-income individuals and families. For the past decade, he worked at Community Action Agencies in both Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, as well as for the Kenton County Public Library’s Covington branch.

Meet the four candidates running for the Covington Board of Education | LINK nky

Kareem Simpson currently works as an author. He previously served as a non-commissioned officer and Korean linguist in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Branch, and worked at Community Action Agencies in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky and at the Kenton County Public Library’s Covington branch.

Covington school board members nominated for national honor

2026 Kentucky General Election

My efforts on the board have centered on strengthening the district’s long-term vision for equitable education by championing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for every student. I firmly believe that no child is more important than another, and that the strength of our district lies in the diversity of the students and families we serve. Celebrating that diversity while ensuring all students have access to quality educational experiences has remained a guiding principle throughout my service.

Simpson4Covington

I've always believed that education should be one of our community's greatest engines of opportunity. Every child deserves access to an educational experience that recognizes their potential, nurtures their talents, and equips them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

One Step Closer to Making History: Why Covington's Journey Toward Becoming a District of Innovation Matters | Simpson4Covington

Champions equitable access to quality educational experiences for all students.

- Champions equitable access to quality educational experiences for all students.

Access to Education

At our most recent Covington Independent School District Board of Education meeting, we took one of those meaningful steps. The Board voted to move forward in the process of becoming a true district of innovation, positioning Covington Independent Schools to become the first school district in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to pursue this designation under the state's newly established School of Innovation framework.

The District of Innovation framework, established through new Kentucky legislation, provides qualifying school districts with greater flexibility from certain state statutes and administrative regulations. More importantly, it empowers educators and local leaders to think creatively about how we prepare students for the world they are inheriting—not the one we grew up in.

Voted to advance Covington's District of Innovation designation, which would provide flexibility from certain state statutes and regulations.

- Voted to advance Covington's District of Innovation designation, which would provide flexibility from certain state statutes and regulations.

School Curriculum

During my time on the board, I have worked tirelessly to advocate for our students and teachers. I have pushed for increased funding for our schools, supported initiatives to improve student mental health, and worked to create a more inclusive environment for all students.

Kareem Simpson: Why I'm running again for Covington Independent School Board — I'm a Covington kid | NKyTribune

Over the past two years, through extensive community input and a professional facilities assessment, we have developed a clear and forward-looking plan for all of our school buildings which has been enhanced by a unique partnership with the City of Covington to include a way forward to incorporate the potential upscale in need for early childhood education, a greater emphasis to real-world technical skills training and a broader use of our school buildings to greater serve the community.

Why I Said Yes to the 4% Tax Increase | Simpson4Covington

Recently, I voted “yes” to a 4% tax increase. I know that this decision raises questions, and I believe you deserve to hear directly from me why I made this choice. Transparency matters, and so does trust.

This vote wasn’t about numbers on a page, it was about the future of our students, the health of our schools, AND the strength of our city.

Supporting this increase doesn’t mean I believe our schools are perfect or that there isn’t room for improvement. Far from it. One of my priorities as a board member is accountability. That means asking tough questions, demanding clarity about how funds are used, and ensuring that every dollar stretches as far as it possibly can. This increase must come with a promise to our taxpayers that the funds will be directed to where they are most needed and will make a measurable difference. I intend to keep pressing for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and results.

Supports a district facilities plan that includes early childhood education, technical-skills training, and broader community use of school buildings.

Voted for a 4% tax increase and says school funding should be directed where it is most needed with transparency and fiscal accountability.

- Advocates for increased school funding.
- Supports a district facilities plan that includes early childhood education, technical-skills training, and broader community use of school buildings.
- Voted for a 4% tax increase and says school funding should be directed where it is most needed with transparency and fiscal accountability.

School Facilities & Resources

I am proud of the progress we have made, but there is still much work to be done. We must continue to focus on closing the achievement gap, providing more opportunities for our students, and ensuring that our schools are safe and welcoming places for all.

Supports initiatives to improve student mental health.

Calls for schools to be safe and welcoming places for all students.

- Supports initiatives to improve student mental health.
- Calls for schools to be safe and welcoming places for all students.

Student Wellbeing

Here’s why:

Teacher and Staff Retention: Teachers are the backbone of our schools. Without competitive pay and resources, we risk losing talented educators to neighboring districts. Investing in people means investing in student success.

Supports competitive pay and resources to retain teachers and staff.

- Supports competitive pay and resources to retain teachers and staff.

Teachers

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Kareem Simpson

- Supports a district facilities plan that includes early childhood education, technical-skills training, and broader community use of school buildings.
- Voted for a 4% tax increase and says school funding should be directed where it is most needed with transparency and fiscal accountability.

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- Board of education members work as a team to lead the school district by setting policy, providing resources, and overseeing employees. 
- The board of education is responsible for the local school budget. It reviews expenditures, allocates funds, and approves facility plans. The board may levy taxes if deemed necessary.
- The board of education hires and directly supervises the district superintendent.
- School board of education numbers are elected in staggered even-numbered years through a nonpartisan election and serve four-year terms. Most boards in Kentucky consist of five members. 
- Independent school districts elect board members at large; county school districts elect board members from divisions. 
- School board members do not receive a salary. They may be compensated for costs associated with state-mandated activities. 

Governs the local public school system and allocates the education budget. 