Remembering Bob Simmons: A Champion For Kelso Students And Schools (Photo) - 03/04/26
Kelso School District joins the community in honoring the life and legacy of former school board member Bob Simmons, whose 31 years of service helped shape the district and support generations of Kelso students.
Simmons served on the Kelso School Board from 1983 to 2014, making him the second-longest serving board member in district history. Over more than three decades of leadership, he helped guide the district through periods of growth and change, serving alongside five different superintendents while providing steady governance and a clear focus on student success.
A chemical engineer at Weyerhaeuser, Simmons brought a thoughtful and analytical approach to his work on the board. He was deeply committed to responsible, orderly governance and played an instrumental role in developing Kelso School District’s original Operating Principles, helping establish expectations for how the board would conduct its work on behalf of students and the community.
Simmons was also known for his strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability to taxpayers. He maintained a close watch on the district’s budget and believed in transparency around both financial stewardship and student performance. At the same time, Simmons remained firmly focused on the district’s core mission: student success. He championed high academic expectations for all students and supported interventions and systems designed to ensure every learner had the opportunity to meet those standards.
Simmons’ connection to the district was also personal. All three of his sons—Andrew, Michael, and Benjamin—graduated from Kelso High School.
Bob’s leadership and dedication helped build a strong foundation for our schools,” said Kelso Superintendent Mary Beth Tack. “His commitment to thoughtful governance, fiscal responsibility, and student success has left a lasting imprint on the Kelso School District. I am forever grateful for the legacy he created and the impact his service continues to have on our students, staff, and community. His leadership will continue to benefit Kelso students for years to come.”
Bob Simmons passed away on February 28, 2026. Kelso School District extends its deepest condolences to Bob’s wife, Chris, and the Simmons family.
The memorial is Friday, March 6, at 6:00 pm at Highline Christian Church (14859 1st Ave S) in Burien, Washington.
About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world. When we asked students and staff what makes Kelso strong, with 45 voices, there was one clear answer (bit.ly/ksd-strong).
