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Kelso School District students, families, and community,

I am honored and excited to lead the great work of Kelso School District in my 7th year as superintendent. In 1991, I began my education career as a math teacher at Kelso High School and have been dedicated to this amazing district ever since. For over three decades, I have been so fortunate to work with many dedicated and inspiring educators here in Kelso.

Relationships are the heart of education, and a foundation for academic achievement and growth. Rita Pierson, an educator who did a TED Talk with millions of views says, “Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.”

Kelso School District exists to guarantee a safe and caring environment where ALL students learn at high levels. Our goal is 100 percent: 100 percent of our students leave with a high school diploma, an intentional plan, AND enrolled in post-secondary opportunities: 2- or 4-year college, apprenticeship/trades, or military. Thanks to a dedicated and deeply committed team, all our students have the potential for incredible growth as a result of learning opportunities we create for them. In my opinion, there is no higher calling than to serve in public education.

To accomplish our mission of preparing every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen in our changing world, we focus our efforts on the six pillars outlined in our Strategic Plan: Road to Student Success. They are:

1. Career, College, and Community Ready

2. Climate & Culture

3. Communication

4. Early Learning

5. Fiscal Responsibility

6. Quality Instruction 

We are proud of our long history and traditions and continue to strive to be the best. Our job is to prepare students for their future, and we believe there is no better place to inspire and motivate than Kelso School District.

The commitment of teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, businesses, community members, and organizations to the students of Kelso continues to be an outstanding factor in the success of our students. The dedication of our professional staff provides a focus on academic growth for each student while ensuring positive and caring relationships for all. As a mother of three (all products of Kelso schools), I want the very best for each of my children. Likewise, I want the very best for each and every one of the approximately 5,000 students we serve in Kelso School District. Every student in our system deserves our best every single day, and our aim is to ensure this continues to occur. I am honored and humbled to serve as superintendent of Kelso School District. I look forward to continuing to work with our students, staff, families, and community as we build upon the exceptional educational foundation that is in place.

My husband, Jeff (1985 Kelso grad), and I will soon celebrate our 31st anniversary and have three kids—Reece (24), Drew (22), and Erin (20)—all proud graduates of Kelso High School. Our family enjoys adventures, traveling, board and card games, cooking, and anything sports. We are diehard Kelso fans and appreciate the Kelso community in which we serve!

#WeAreStrong

For our children, our community, our future ~
Mary Beth Tack, Superintendent