Mary Beth Kastan Officially Takes Helm at GUHSD

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July 2, 2022
 

Mary Beth Kastan Officially Takes Helm at GUHSD
35-year GUHSD educator’s first day as Superintendent of East County’s High School District was July 1

EL CAJON – Mrs. Mary Beth Kastan officially assumed her duties as Superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) on Friday, July 1. The GUHSD Governing Board (Board) selected Mrs. Kastan on April 26 to succeed Mrs. Theresa Kemper who retired on June 30.
 
Mrs. Kastan has dedicated her entire 35-year career to the students, families, and staff of GUHSD. Most recently, she was responsible for all educational programs districtwide as Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services. Before that, Mrs. Kastan served as the Principal of Valhalla High School for 13 years, as a Director of Curriculum for three years, and as an Assistant Principal at Valhalla for six years. 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. 
 
“After 35 years with GUHSD, we know that Mrs. Kastan is an outstanding instructional leader who has the heart and experience to serve all of our students,” said Board President Robert Shield. “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.
 
“Mrs. Kastan stood out among the many highly-qualified candidates because of her proven track record of successful leadership in GUHSD,” said Board Vice-President Christopher Fite. “Most importantly, anyone who knows Mrs. Kastan knows that kids are her calling. So, we know we’ve made the right choice,” added Fite.
 
“Mrs. Kastan is the right leader at the right time,” said former Superintendent Theresa Kemper. “She understands our District, she understands our challenges, and she’ll find the best path forward because she has the experience,” she added.
 
“As a 35-year GUHSD educator, mother of two GUHSD graduates, and an East County resident myself, I know that one of our District’s greatest strengths is our community’s personal investment in our success,” said Mrs. Kastan. “I’m grateful for the trust that our incredible Governing Board has placed in me, and I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead the over-3,000 caring, collaborative, and innovative GUHSD staff to make our community’s shared vision for our schools a reality,” said Mrs. Kastan.

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. 
 
Former Granite Hills High School Principal Mike Fowler was appointed by the Board to succeed Mrs. Kastan as Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services.

Photo:

• Mary Beth Kastan

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