Index

Welcome to the Goleta Union School District

Powerful Instruction
Purposeful Individualization
Productive Partnerships
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Positive Evidence of Student Growth

Dr. Mary Kahn was born and raised in Goleta. She attended Kellogg Elementary School, Goleta Valley Junior High, and graduated from Dos Pueblos High School. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Spanish from San Diego State University, followed by her Master of Arts in Special Education from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and finally, her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Concentration in Dual Language Immersion from the Fielding Graduate Institute. Dr. Mary Kahn's husband, Dr. Kalju Kahn, is a Senior Lecturer at UCSB, and her two sons, Ethan and Grant, also attended school in the Goleta Union School District. She is proud to have the opportunity to lead in a community close to her heart, where she grew up and raised her children.

Not only is Dr. Mary Kahn a local leader with many positive connections, but she also has a depth of knowledge, skill, and experience that will add significant value to her new role as superintendent. Dr. Kahn has over twenty-five years of experience in diverse settings, from urban schools to administrative roles. She is proficient in building unified teams and applying systems thinking guided by data, research, and feedback. Dr. Kahn, a bilingual educator who advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion, implemented many successful initiatives during her educational career. Dr. Kahn was the principal of Isla Vista Elementary School before becoming the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services at GUSD, where she has served as a dynamic, results-oriented leader.

“Dr. Mary Kahn is a highly experienced, effective, dedicated, and caring educational leader who has an unwavering focus on providing high-quality education for every child in the District. She has extensive knowledge of our district and has earned our deep respect. I am confident that our District will be in good hands with Dr. Kahn as our new Superintendent.” - Trustee Dr. Richard Mayer

"Having interacted with Dr. Kahn both as a parent and a board member, I've had the privilege of seeing her in different roles. As the beloved principal at Isla Vista School, she introduced a data-driven approach to enhancing educational practices, later extending it to the entire district as the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services. Dr. Kahn stands out as a devoted, proficient, and compassionate educational leader. I am certain that our District is in capable hands with her as our newly appointed Superintendent." - Trustee Dr. Vicki Ben-Yaacov

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