The November election resulted in a change of our school board members.
Many thanks to Karen Grafton for her eight years of dedicated service to our Kelso staff and families. Karen and her husband of 25 years raised three children in Kelso School District who attend(ed) Rose Valley, Coweeman, and Kelso High School. She brought a deep commitment to student opportunity and a strong voice for our families and community. Her 24 years in healthcare management, along with service on the Lower Columbia Mental Health Board, Lower Columbia CAP Board, and the Kelso School Board, provided a unique and valuable perspective in shaping policies that impact students every day.
During her tenure, Karen served on the following committees:
Multilingual Learners (ML)
Student Rights & Responsibilities
Kelso Public Schools Foundation
SEL / Whole Child
Council on Learning
Wellness
We remain ever grateful for the way Karen represented Kelso with purpose, conviction, and heart.
A warm welcome to incoming board member Francisco Uribe-Álvarez. Francisco is an 11-year Kelso resident, public servant, and community volunteer who has dedicated his career to serving families, youth, and vulnerable populations. Francisco and his wife of 20 years are proud parents of three daughters, one currently attending Lexington Elementary. Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Francisco is a first-generation immigrant who understands the power of education to transform lives. He holds degrees in law, theology, leadership, and education.
For more than a decade, Francisco has worked in public service across several Washington State agencies, including the Department of Corrections; the Department of Children, Youth & Families; and now the Department of Social and Health Services as a Developmental Disabilities Case Resource Manager.
Congratulations to Leah Moore on her re-election to the board. This will be her third term serving Kelso School District students and families.
The change in board members became official after election results were certified and Francisco and Leah were sworn in at the December meeting.