Grossmont Union High School District

 

April 7, 2022

 

EL CAJON – The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Governing Board has named Mrs. Mary Beth Kastan as its finalist to replace outgoing GUHSD Superintendent Theresa Kemper. The Governing Board (Board) will consider a contract with Mrs. Kastan and is expected to approve an offer of employment at its regularly scheduled Board meeting on April 26.

Mrs. Kastan has dedicated her entire 35-year career in education to serving the students, families, and staff of GUHSD. Before assuming her current role as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services – responsible for all educational programs districtwide – Mrs. Kastan served for 13 years as the Principal of Valhalla High School, three years as a Director of Curriculum, and six years as an Assistant Principal at Valhalla. She began her career as a Social Studies teacher at Mount Miguel High School where she served for 11 years before starting a career in administration as an Administrative Intern at West Hills High School.

 

Leadership Associates’ nationwide search for GUHSD’s next Superintendent comprised a robust community outreach effort that included input-gathering meetings with over-500 GUHSD employees and community leaders. Over 2,000 people also participated in a community-wide survey – a Leadership Associates record.

“Leadership Associates brought us dozens of highly-qualified candidates with impressive backgrounds to consider,” said Board President Robert Shield. “After a highly-competitive process, we chose Mary Beth Kastan as our finalist because of her deep GUHSD roots and experience. She’s an outstanding instructional leader who’ll provide a clear vision for our District. After 35 years with GUHSD, we know that she has the heart and experience to serve all students, including those with disabilities, English learners, foster youth, and those experiencing homelessness. Mrs. Kastan’s an empathetic, charismatic, and famously hard-working leader and team-builder who’s helped countless students and staff members believe in themselves because she believed in them. Whether they’re college-bound or pursuing one of our 40 career pathways to the jobs of tomorrow, under Mary Beth Kastan’s leadership, every GUHSD student will be empowered to build the best future,” he added.

“As a 35-year GUHSD educator and the mother of two GUHSD graduates, I know without a shadow of a doubt that GUHSD is one of America’s best school districts,” said Mrs. Kastan. “I’m humbled by and grateful for the trust that our incredible Board has placed in me to lead the over-3000 caring, innovative, and collaborative members of GUHSD’s staff family as we move toward a bright future together,” she added.

 

Mrs. Kastan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from San Diego State University and completed her credential work at SDSU as well. She also received a master’s degree in Educational Administration from National University. Mrs. Kastan is expected to assume her duties as Superintendent when Mrs. Kemper officially retires on June 30, 2022.