Mary Kleekamp has been named the Director of Special Education for the School District of Washington, effective July 1, 2024.
Kleekamp has spent the last 17 years on the staff at Washington High School. She started at WHS as a special education teacher for nine years and then moved into her current role of assistant principal for the last eight years.
Supporting students and staff through developing relationships, and problem-solving with creative solutions are Kleekamp’s educational passions.
“The Director position will allow me to expand my leadership district-wide and come full-circle with the Special Education Department, where I began 17 years ago,” Kleekamp said. “I'm excited about this opportunity to champion our students and allow them to become the best versions of themselves, surrounded by educators who truly care."
A 2003 graduate of St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, Kleekamp attended Fontbonne University in St. Louis, where she also played volleyball. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 cross-categorical special education and K-6 elementary education in 2007. She earned a Master’s Degree in Secondary Administration, 7-12, in 2011, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration in 2017. She completed a second Master's Degree in Special Education Administration in 2023, all from Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis.
“Mrs. Kleekamp's dedication to our community, her special education teaching, and her years of administrative experience within the district provide a strong foundation for her to champion the needs of our students with special abilities,” said School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart.
Being a trusted and involved part of the community, advocating for education, and creating opportunities for her students to learn and thrive are important to Kleekamp. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Young Professionals at the YMCA and is the Legislative Liaison for the Missouri South Central Association for Secondary School Principals.
In the last few years, Kleekamp was named a Washington Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Professional, was a committee member for the Washington City Hall Centennial Celebration, and a developer of the Leadership Academy of Washington.
“Mrs. Kleekamp brings a solid skill set, work ethic, vision, and caring demeanor to her new position,” said SDOW Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rachael Franssen. “As we transition to a new director, we will continue to focus our efforts on our commitment to students and their families, program support, and financial stability.”
Kleekamp is anxious to begin her new role with the SDOW.
"At it’s core, my most important mission is to embrace the responsibility to foster a culture of collaboration and cultivate an environment where every student thrives within the School District of Washington and beyond,” Kleekamp said. "The Department is moving in the right direction and I am excited to continue making advancements."
Kleekamp grew up and lives in Washington with her husband, Phillip, and three children; Jack, 9 years old, Lily, 6 years old, and Anna, 3 years old. Phillip is a Vice President of Retail Lending for the Bank of Washington.
Mary Kleekamp