A New Husky At The Helm: Lauri Landerholm Joins Huntington As Principal (Photo) - 08/20/26
Huntington Middle School is welcoming a new leader this school year, as veteran educator Lauri Landerholm steps into the role of principal with nearly three decades of experience, a passion for middle school students, and a commitment to helping every student recognize their potential.
Landerholm joined Kelso School District July 1, succeeding Kim Allais, who retired after eight years with the district, including five years as Huntington's principal.
Landerholm comes to Kelso from Battle Ground Public Schools, where she most recently served as Director of Human Resources. Her career in education has included 10 years as a classroom teacher, 12 years as a middle school principal, and leadership roles as an assistant principal and assistant superintendent.
Throughout her career, Landerholm has focused on creating positive school cultures, strengthening high-quality instruction, and building systems that help students and staff thrive. She brings extensive experience with Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and restorative practices.
At the heart of her work, however, is something much simpler: relationships.
“My why is simple: I want to make a positive difference in the lives of students,” Landerholm said. “As a young person, I was fortunate to have educators who believed in me during times when I struggled to believe in myself. Their encouragement changed the course of my life, and it inspired me to dedicate my career to creating those same opportunities for others.”
Her goal is for every Huntington student to experience a safe, supportive, and caring environment where they feel valued, challenged, and know they belong. She looks forward to partnering with families and staff to help students discover their strengths, build confidence, develop resilience, and prepare for their futures.
“Lauri's extensive middle school experience, collaborative spirit, and relationship-driven approach make her an exceptional fit for Huntington,” said Superintendent Mary Beth Tack. “She understands how important these years are in a student's life, and she brings both the experience and the heart to help our students and staff thrive. We're excited to welcome her to Kelso and to the Husky family.”
Landerholm says building strong partnerships with Huntington families will be among her priorities as she begins the school year.
“I look forward to becoming part of the rich history of Kelso, getting to know our students and families, and working together to make this an exceptional year for every Huntington student,” she said.
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.
