Meet Daniela
Daniela Simic is an experienced education leader with more than two decades of service strengthening schools at every level, from the classroom to the district office.
After earning her master's degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, Daniela moved to Tampa in 2003 to begin her career in public education. She started as a classroom teacher and went on to serve in leadership roles throughout the state, eventually becoming Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Hillsborough County Public Schools, where she supported 233 schools and more than 12,000 educators.
Throughout her career, Daniela has worked across the education system, serving at the Florida Department of Education and in senior district leadership roles in Florida and Texas. She has led large-scale improvement efforts in underperforming schools, overseen curriculum and instructional systems, and partnered with educators to improve outcomes for students. Today, she serves as Vice President of Advocacy for the Hillsborough County Council PTA, working alongside parents and educators to advance policies that support student success.
Daniela is also a proud Hillsborough County mom whose 10-year-old son attends school in the district. She became a parent under difficult circumstances after losing her husband while she was pregnant. Raising her son in this community has deepened her appreciation for the stability, opportunity, and hope that strong public schools provide families, especially during life's most difficult moments.
Daniela believes that where a child starts should never determine where they finish. From teaching in the classroom to leading district wide initiatives, she has dedicated her career to ensuring every child, regardless of their ZIP code, learning differences, or the language they speak at home, has access to an excellent education.
She is running for School Board with one clear mission:
Every Child. Every Chance.
