Superintendents Office

Photo of Mary Beth Tack.

Superintendent

Mary Beth Tack

Photo of Michele Nerland.

Public Information Officer

Michele Nerland

Photo of Molly Guler.

Administrative Assistant

Molly Guler

Office Hours
8:00-4:30

360-501-1927

A Message from the Superintendent

Kelso School District students, families, and community,

First and foremost, I am honored and excited to lead the great work of Kelso School District in my 5th 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.

I believe relationships are the heart of education. 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.” Relationships are the foundation in a students’ education and at the heart of their academic achievement and growth.

Kelso School District exists to guarantee a safe and caring environment where ALL students learn at high levels. In Kelso, 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-year college, 4-year college, apprenticeship/trades, or military. I believe all our students have the potential for incredible growth as a result of learning opportunities we create for them. This belief comes from a dedicated team deeply committed to our district mission – to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen in a changing world.  In my opinion, there is no higher calling than to serve in public education.

To accomplish that mission, we’ve outlined four goals in our Strategic Plan: Road to Student Success. They are:

1. School Climate/Culture

2. Early Learning

3. Quality Instruction

4. Career, College, and Community Readiness

We are proud of our long history and traditions and will 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 the 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 and every one of my children. Likewise, I want the very best for each 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 the opportunity to continue 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 30th anniversary and have three kids—Reece (23), Drew (21), and Erin (19)—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

Open Doors