The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) has named Kalama School District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Benjamin a 2025‑26 Superintendent to Watch, recognizing his dynamic leadership and strong commitment to open, transparent communication.
Each year, NSPRA honors a select group of superintendents nationwide with fewer than five years of experience in the role who exemplify fast‑paced, forward‑thinking leadership rooted in effective communication. Dr. Benjamin was nominated for his ability to build trust, strengthen community partnerships, and embed communication as a visible, strategic part of Kalama School District’s culture.
Centering Leadership on Trust
Since joining Kalama School District, Dr. Benjamin has prioritized stabilizing operations, strengthening relationships, and fostering clear, consistent communication with families, staff, and the broader community. A key part of his approach is his weekly Facebook Live broadcast, where he shares district updates, highlights classroom learning, and celebrates staff and student achievements.
“Dr. Wesley Benjamin demonstrates excellence in leadership through his vision, integrity and ability to transform systems while building trust across his community,” said Steve Padilla, Kalama School District Chief of Staff. “He makes sure people feel informed, heard and valued. He models what transparent, connected leadership looks like.”
Dr. Benjamin and the Kalama School Board also host quarterly Community Listening Sessions, giving families, businesses, and residents a direct opportunity to provide feedback. He further strengthens partnerships through regular Joint Entities meetings with city and community leaders to align efforts on shared priorities impacting schools.
Embedding Communication Into District Systems
Under Dr. Benjamin’s leadership, Kalama has elevated communication to a core operational priority. One of the district’s six guiding principles, Integrity in Action, emphasizes the importance of clear, timely, and transparent communication. These values are directly reflected in district goals, strategies and performance measures.
Communication improvements include:
- Clearly defined communication expectations tied to district goals
- Public dashboards and quarterly progress updates aligned with the strategic plan
- Transparent, data-informed updates on finances, programs, and student outcomes
The district’s current strategic plan was developed through extensive community input, including listening sessions, a districtwide survey, and a 60-member planning team made up of students, families, staff, and civic partners.
Leading Where the Work Happens
“Dr. Benjamin is a superintendent who truly understands the power of communication. Whether he’s going to schools on his gembas, hosting weekly Facebook Lives, sitting down with parents and staff, or guiding our strategic plan, he makes sure people feel informed, heard and valued,” said Padilla. “He models what transparent, connected leadership looks like.”
Thanks to Kalama’s single‑campus structure, Dr. Benjamin remains highly visible in classrooms, hallways, and offices every day. His presence keeps him closely connected to students and staff, allowing him to respond quickly to emerging needs. By leading where learning happens and maintaining strong partnerships with city and community partners, he continues to build a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
Dr. Benjamin’s hands‑on leadership and dedication to communication are key drivers of Kalama School District’s continued growth and success
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