Kelso School District joins our community in honoring the life and legacy of former school board member Bob Simmons, who served our community for 31 years (1983–2014), becoming the second-longest serving board member in district history.
During his tenure—spanning five superintendents—Bob provided steady, principled leadership rooted in integrity, fiscal responsibility, and a deep belief in high achievement for all students. He was instrumental in developing the district’s original Operating Principles and remained committed to transparency, accountability, and strong governance throughout his service.
A proud father of three Kelso High graduates, Bob cared deeply about the success of Kelso students and championed interventions and supports to help every learner thrive.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s wife, Chris, and their family. His legacy lives on in the strength of our district and the generations of students he helped support.