Walter Kelly has been selected as the new principal of Mercer Island High School, Superintendent Donna Colosky announced. The appointment is effective July 1 and was approved by the School Board at its March 26 meeting. The selection process included students, staff, parents and administrators on the interview teams.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Walter to Mercer Island and having him join our team,” Colosky said. “His 17 years as a principal and track record of success show that he shares our values of student-centered learning and supporting the whole child.”

Kelly is currently the principal of Highland Park High School in Dallas, where he has served since 2010. Like MIHS, Highland Park is a top performing school, receiving numerous national awards for academic performance during his decade as principal. During his tenure he has founded a technology plan in partnership with Southern Methodist University, developed STEAM programming and served on long range planning and facilities advisory committees.

Kelly has served as co-chair of the Principals Center at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, including serving as co-developer and consultant for its Racial Equality and Leadership Institute.

He previously served as a high school principal in Richardson, Texas, and Telluride, Colo., and as an assistant principal in Austin and Westlake Hills, Texas. He began his education career as a science teacher for five years. He received his bachelor of arts in biology from Baylor University and masters of education from Texas State University.

Kelly will succeed Vicki Puckett, who announced in January her intention to resign effective June 30 after eight years as MIHS principal.