The Kelso School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Beth Tack as the next Superintendent, effective July 1, 2018. Tack will replace outgoing Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich, who announced his retirement in November.
Tack started her career with Kelso School District in the fall of 1991 when she was hired to teach math at Kelso High. In 1998, she became the Assistant Principal there before moving into district level administration in 2001. In 2007, she became Director of Secondary Education before taking the helm as Director of Teaching and Learning in 2011.
“Hiring Mary Beth Tack is comparable to striking gold in our own backyard”, said Bob Lucas, Kelso School District Board President. “Not only is she a talented and visionary leader, Mary Beth is an even better person. She genuinely cares about people, values their opinions, and has a unique ability to build consensus. She passionately believes that all Kelso students should receive the best possible educational opportunities. The board is thrilled that Mary Beth will be our new superintendent starting July 1.”
With the exception of taking the 2017/2018 school year off to focus on her family, Tack has worked continuously for Kelso School District for 25 years. In that time, she served on several local and state-wide committees and received numerous awards; including Educator of the Year (1998) and Outstanding Administrator of the Year (2001).
In addition to support from the board, Tack’s appointment is celebrated by district administration, classified and certificated staff.
“The Kelso School Board could not make a finer selection for our next Kelso Superintendent than that of Mary Beth Tack. She embodies the intelligence, passion, and relational trust that is necessary in moving our district forward. Her commitment to our schools, students, and community is unquestionable,” said John Gummel, Kelso High School Principal. “Although the departure of Superintendent Gelbrich will leave a hole in our leadership, Mrs. Tack will fill this void with her unbridled enthusiasm, job knowledge, and persistent ‘can-do’ attitude. I look forward to her leadership and keen insight into assisting us all in our professional growth and educational journey.”
Kelso Education Association President Bob Gustin added, “Decades of honing her craft as an educator in the classroom, as a principal, and as the curriculum director for the Kelso School District has helped to catapult Mary Beth Tack, one of our best and brightest, into the distinctive role as our district’s new leader. We are extremely blessed.”
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