Billina Dolezal

Kalama School District is pleased to announce that Billina Dolezal has been promoted to the position of Principal of Kalama Elementary School (KES).

The promotion follows a decision by Vernon Bruni, who had been hired by the district in May to serve as the school’s principal beginning July 1, to rescind his acceptance due to personal reasons.

Dolezal, who joined the district as a teacher in 2007, most recently served as Assistant Principal of KES. Prior to that, she spent four years serving as the school’s Dean of Students.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Billina’s knowledge, character and connection to the community who is both eager and ready to step into the principal role,” said Eric Nerison, Kalama School District superintendent. “Though she did not apply for the position over the spring, once she heard of Bruni’s change of heart, she expressed much enthusiasm and excitement about the opportunity to lead Kalama Elementary School into the future.”

Dolezal, who has already begun planning for the 2022-2023 school year, said the school will have a renewed focus on improving reading skills and being a good citizen.

“I am excited to start my 16th year with Kalama School District as the principal of Kalama Elementary School,” she said. “Over the years, Kalama has become my home and I am honored to take on this new role. The families and students are truly special to me.”

In a June email announcing the promotion to school families, Dolezal added, “I am looking forward to this next school year where there will be consistent leadership for our students and staff. Many of you have gotten to know me over the years, and I hope you can truly see and feel how much I love our school.”

The Kalama School Board made Dolezal’s promotion official during its 7 p.m. meeting on Monday, June 27.