Kathi Keefer Recommended as Franklin Elementary Principal
Posted on 05/01/2024
Kathi Keefer, currently serves as the founding Principal at Pinecrest Academy of Lewiston, was selected through a rigorous process and was among three finalist candidates to be recommended for hire as Principal of Franklin Elementary School beginning on July 1, 2024. The recommendation to appoint Ms. Keefer to the position of Principal at Franklin Elementary School will be considered by the Pullman School District Board of Directors at the May 8, 2024 board meeting. We are pleased with the strong applicant pool that was interviewed and are confident that we have recommended an excellent administrator for Franklin Elementary.
A comprehensive interview process was conducted on April 25, 2024 and included a formal interview and presentation to the interview committee, a written exercise, an observation and written feedback of a lesson, a tour of Franklin, an interview with Franklin students, and open forums for staff and the community. Kathi Keefer emerged as a capable and desirable candidate.
The interview committee consisted of district and building administrators, a board member (Director Craig Nelson), a district instructional coach, five (5) Franklin staff members, and two (2) Franklin parents selected by lottery.
Students from Franklin that met with Ms. Keefer noted that she was "caring, patient, and thoughtful" and also shared, "[Ms. Keefer] made me feel respected."
Staff members and community members joined the candidates at two open forums where they had the opportunity to meet and talk with each candidate. The feedback from staff and community members was very supportive of selecting Ms. Keefer as the Principal for Franklin Elementary. An employee shared that, "she is calm and collected and brings so much knowledge. She puts students first and would do what is best for students at Franklin." An observed strength of Ms. Keefer from an employee was her "strong knowledge of the PLC process and how it integrates into the school day" and her "focus on building relationships with students, staff and families." A parent shared that Ms. Keefer's experience in K-5 administration and working in multiple schools, has allowed her the opportunity to learn from other communities and experiences. Ms. Keefer "indicated the importance of supporting teachers so that they can be best at their important work."
Ms. Keefer brings with her 22 years of Kindergarten-8th grade teaching experience, 2 years as an instructional coach, and 10 years of educational administration expertise. Ms. Keefer has served in various administrative roles throughout her 30+ year career, including her current role at Pinecrest Academy of Lewiston. She has also been a principal in both the Ellensburg and Wenatchee School Districts. Ms. Keefer is a graduate of Eastern Oregon University and holds a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Heritage University.
Superintendent Dr. Bob Maxwell said, “Ms. Keefer's dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, combined with her extensive experience and leadership skills, make her an excellent choice to lead Franklin Elementary School. We are confident that Ms. Keefer will continue to prioritize the well-being and academic growth of every student at Franklin, and I look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make within our school community."
We look forward to welcoming Ms. Keefer to Franklin Elementary School!