New Kalama School District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Benjamin has released a multi-phase Entry Plan to help guide his transition into the district.
Benjamin, who began serving as KSD superintendent on July 1, outlined the plan in front of the Kalama School Board during the board’s June 24 meeting at Kalama Middle School. The plan consists of the following four phases:
Pre-entry (May-June) - Establishing a solid foundation for successful leadership by engaging with key stakeholders, reviewing critical district information, and setting clear expectations in the pre-entry process
Listening (July-Aug.) - Engaging deeply with all segments of the school community to gather diverse perspectives on the strengths, challenges, and opportunities within the district
Analysis (Sept. - Oct.) - Analyzing the data and feedback collected during the first two phases, as well as key data streams to prepare comprehensive reports and strategic insights
Planning (Nov. - Dec.) - Utilizing the insights and data from the analysis phase to set the groundwork for a comprehensive strategic planning process
As a preface to the plan, Benjamin penned an open letter to the Kalama community, writing:
“I am deeply honored to join you as the new Superintendent of Kalama School District. Kalama is a community known not just for its scenic beauty but for its strong spirit, local pride, and commitment to shaping a bright future for our students.
As we look to the future, honoring our cherished values and exploring thoughtful changes, I am inspired by our community's dedication to seeing our students thrive and grow into future-ready graduates. Our mission is clear: to equip each and every student for success in an ever-changing world.
I recognize that while there is a shared desire for excellence, there are often diverse views on how to achieve it. Therefore, I am committed to listening intently to every voice and fostering a culture of mutual respect where every perspective is valued in shaping the path forward. In the coming months, I look forward to meeting with Kalama's leaders, teachers, students, parents, and community members to craft a strategic vision that aligns with our shared values and aspirations.
Over the coming weeks and months, I encourage you to join me in this crucial dialogue, to share your insights, hopes, and dreams for our district's future. This collaboration will be the first step on our path forward. I am excited to embark on this journey with you and am committed to making our district a beacon of innovation, mutual respect, and student success.”
As part of the Listening phase, Dr. Benjamin is planning to participate in a Facebook Live event on the district’s Facebook page on Friday, July 19 at noon, followed by an in-person meet-and-greet event at the Port of Kalama’s Mountain Timber Market on Friday, August 2 from 5 to 6:30 pm.
Related: Dr. Wesley Benjamin Superintendent Entry Plan (PDF)