GFSD Family News
January 30, 2026
"I serve students, families, and staff as the Principal of Monte Cristo Elementary. This is my first year at Monte Cristo and in Granite Falls. The people of this community are so lovely, they have embraced me and made me feel welcome from my very first day. It’s easy to feel connected and invested when people wrap around you in such a gracious way!"
What do you enjoy most about your job or working with students and staff in Granite Falls?
"At the risk of sounding redundant, the community! My foundational value as a school leader is that success rests squarely on the shoulders of trusting relationships. My favorite time of every day is when I’m out with teachers and kids. I typically hit 10,000 steps by 1:00 everyday, because you cannot lead a school from behind your computer. I find out things I would never have known were going on if I weren’t out on the playground, in classrooms, in the hallways, the lunchroom, all over MCE! And there are some pretty cool things going on at our school!"
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your job?
"My colleagues and I always say, “You can’t make this up! If people only knew what this job really looks like!” Every single day is different and you seriously cannot predict what’s going to happen next. One day a student brought a Big Gulp cup from 7-11 full of baby frogs, and you guessed, they “accidentally” got loose in the classroom, and of course when there was a substitute teacher! That day I was the “Chief Frog Catcher!” Mostly, I think people would be surprised at how much listening principals do. The most important part of my job is listening when people are struggling. Sometimes the emotional weight we principals carry is pretty heavy, you don’t stop worrying about kids, families, or staff members after 5:00 O’clock. But the hugs and smiles you get the very next day make it all worthwhile!"
What makes Granite Falls a special place to work?
"I’ve never worked in a community where people are so invested in the schools and their kids! I love all the community events like Railroad Days, football games, Santa Claus at Monte Cristo, etc. Most of all I love how many community members come out to support our kids, it's a beautiful thing! "
Share a favorite memory or moment from your time working in Granite Falls.
"It was my third day on the job, and I was camped out in my new office, surrounded by boxes, makeshift furniture, and paperwork piled up to my eyeballs. I looked up, and there—completely filling my doorway—stood the Chief of Police. On day three. Naturally, my first thought was, Well… this escalated quickly.
He introduced himself, laughed, and assured me he was just stopping by to welcome me and let me know that if I ever needed anything, he was only a phone call away. Moments later, Superintendent Geaslan walked in. Before I knew it, the two of them were peeling blackout window film off the interior windows of my office like it was all part of the job description. Now that’s a first week I won’t ever forget—and a pretty great example of the kind of community I stepped into."
What do you like to do outside of work — hobbies, family time, or activities that bring you joy?
"Reading! I have been a voracious reader since I can remember! I have a huge home library and am always looking for another great book to read. I also make quilts and love to run. I ran my first marathon when I was 50! Baking for other people also gives me great joy! Especially pie!"
Do you have a favorite quote, saying, or piece of advice that inspires you?
"Give your hands to serve, and your heart to love." - Mother Thersea
🎊Director Panagos District 3
Born and raised in a small farming community in central Kansas, Carol loved the prairie but always dreamed of living in the Pacific Northwest. That dream became a reality in 1988, when - after teaching in both Kansas and Arizona- she moved to Washington State with her family. Her journey ultimately brought her to Granite Falls in 1996, where she immediately felt at home both teaching and living in the community.
Carol is a strong believer in community involvement and values the way Granite Falls consistently shows up to support one another. An active member of the Granite Falls Community Coalition since 2003, she firmly believes in the strength and resilience of the Granite Falls community.
In her spare time, Carol enjoys spending time with her family and has a passion for travel and experiencing other cultures. She is proud to serve on the Granite Falls School District Board of Directors and welcomes suggestions and questions from the community.
Carol, we are so grateful for your dedication to the Granite Falls community and the impact you have on our School District
🎊Director Veatch District 4
A resident of Granite Falls for 18 years, Tina is deeply rooted in the community alongside her husband and their six children, all of whom have attended or attend our school district. Her commitment to the area is evident through her extensive volunteer work in her children's classrooms, her church, and the local food bank. Professionally, Tina is a certified Project Management Professional with experience spanning both the private and public sectors. When she isn't balancing her career, family, and community service, she enjoys a well-deserved nap!
Tina, we are so grateful for your dedication to the Granite Falls community and the impact you have on our School District!
🎊Director Farley from District 5
With nearly four decades of dedicated service to students and staff, Director Farley brings a wealth of "on-the-ground" experience to the Granite Falls School District Board of Directors. Director Farley’s career in education spans an impressive 39 years, during which he has viewed the academic landscape from almost every possible angle. His journey includes time spent in the classroom as a teacher, Granite Falls wrestling coach, leading buildings as a Vice Principal, and navigating the complexities of district administration. When he isn't advocating for the students of Granite Falls, Director Farley swaps the boardroom for the great outdoors. An avid angler, he finds his balance fishing in Alaska, where he enjoys the challenge and serenity of the Pacific Northwest's rugged wilderness.
Greg, we are so grateful for your dedication to the Granite Falls community and the impact you have on our school district.
The Highly Capable Program is designed to support students who demonstrate advanced learning needs and exceptional potential. In Granite Falls, we serve students who qualify in a variety of ways, including:
- Elementary level: enriched classroom opportunities, project-based learning, accelerated content, and special projects
- Secondary level: advanced course offerings such as Advanced Placement (AP) and Running Start
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, Granite Falls School District will be implementing universal screening for the Highly Capable Program in 2nd and 4th grades. Universal screening will take place during the month of February in. Students who meet screening criteria will progress to the Full Cognitive Abilities Test (CoGAT) assessment, which will be administered in the spring. In addition to universal screening results, the Highly Capable Program identification process includes a comprehensive review of multiple sources of student learning data, including assessment results, classroom performance, individual student learning plans and more.
We will be accepting teacher and parent recommendations for Highly Capable screening opening Monday, January 12 and closing February 12. Parents who are interested in having their child screened for the Highly Capable Program should contact their child's teacher by February 12.
