The Mount Vernon Community School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Kendra Parker as the new Principal of Washington Elementary School, effective for the 2025–2026 school year.
Kendra brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to Mount Vernon, most recently serving as the facilitator at Prairie Heights Elementary in the College Community School District. There, she led initiatives in social-emotional behavioral health (SEBH), managed school-wide attendance improvement efforts, supported special education programming, and helped drive meaningful change through data-driven, student-centered practices. Her leadership played a critical role in reducing chronic absenteeism and strengthening systems of support for diverse learners.
Throughout her career, Kendra has been dedicated to fostering inclusive, collaborative school cultures. Her expertise includes building multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), coaching staff in classroom management and trauma-informed practices, and facilitating professional development aligned with strategic improvement goals. She also brings experience as a Title IX investigator, IEP LEA representative, and SEBH/PBIS team leader. In recognition of her impact, Parker was honored with a district innovation award and has been a frequent presenter for educational workshops and university coursework.
Kendra holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In addition to her formal credentials, she holds numerous certifications in classroom management, crisis intervention, and teacher-child interaction training.
Kendra is an avid reader who enjoys life in an old house full of character— and projects. She shares her home with her husband, Robert, their 6 year old daughter Mira, and two beloved cats, Biscuit and Peter.
Kendra is known for her commitment to authentic relationships, her strong organizational skills, and her passion for ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging. She shares the district’s core values and is excited to collaborate with staff, students, and families at Washington Elementary to continue building a thriving school community.
Welcome to Mount Vernon, Principal Parker!