Experienced leader accepts Facilities and Operations position

Walla Walla Public Schools announces Mike Kay has been named Director of Facilities and Operations. He replaces current director Dan Johnson who is retiring in August.

Kay brings vast experience in public education leadership to the district. In addition to having classroom experience, he has been an administrator at the secondary and central office levels. Kay has been employed by the Hermiston School District since 2004 and is currently the Executive Director of Operations. In his current role at Hermiston, he oversees facilities, transportation, career and technical education, food service, print shop, athletics and activities, and student home builders. Under his leadership, Hermiston was the first school district in Oregon to implement the full suite of the School Dude facility management system. Walla Walla Public Schools also uses School Dude.

“Superintendent Smith worked with Mike Kay for nine years in Hermiston and reports he has seen first-hand his amazing skills in action and ability to foster a positive culture within the department,” said Human Resource Director Liz Campeau. “Kay also assisted Superintendent Smith with the $70 million bond project as well as a $5 million athletic stadium build during their years together in Hermiston.”

Kay also has past administrative experience in the Hermiston School District as the Director of Athletics and Activities, Support Services and as an assistant principal. Previous to his employment in the Hermiston School District, Kay had nine years of administrative experience in the Medford School District specializing in Alternative Education and Athletics. He was named the Hermiston School District Administrator of the Year in 2009 and received the National Association of Agricultural Oregon Educators Outstanding Administrator Award in 2010.

Kay holds an Administrative/Superintendent’s license. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education Policy, Foundations and Administration from Portland State University and has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Distributive Education from Oregon State University.

“Walla Walla Public Schools is a very exciting place to work and I look forward to the opportunity,” Kay said. “Education has been a great fit. I enjoy watching students grow and develop the skills needed to succeed. It’s neat reconnecting with them 10 to 15 years later and learn our involvement had a tremendous impact in their lives.”