Leadership Transition Announcement
BEF NEWS

Leadership Transition Announcement
Monday, December 30th, 2024
After nearly 20 years of dedicated service, Kristine Baggett, will be stepping back from her role as BEF’s Executive Director at the end of December. BEF has experienced significant growth and positive change during Kristine’s tenure, and her leadership has been integral in launching signature initiatives, expanding programs, securing vital funding and building strong partnerships in the Beaverton community.
Betty Flad, retired Beaverton School District teacher and administrator, reflected on Kristine’s impact and influence this way: “Kristine’s ability to work with diverse audiences, identify educational needs, craft creative solutions to complex issues and leverage new funding opportunities through business partnerships has elevated Beaverton Education Foundation to a premier foundation in the state of Oregon. Her zest for engaging others through compelling stories and unique partnerships with community partners have funded hundreds of novel school and district initiatives. Under Kristine’s leadership, every Beaverton school has been the recipient of funds to support local efforts and unique programs. Thank you Kristine for leaving such a lasting legacy for Beaverton kids.”
Kristine has authored many success stories throughout her time with BEF. Her collaboration with BSD staff led to the creation of the Safe and Sound for Student Success Program (S4), which began as an informal soccer club at one middle school aimed at supporting students who were struggling to stay engaged in class. Over the past decade, the program has grown significantly, expanding to all middle schools in the District, maintaining consistent academic expectations, and securing sustainable funding to ensure its continued success.
Also during Kristine’s tenure, BEF incubated and helped grow Camp Achieve, an in-person summer school program that successfully addressed summer learning regression for elementary students. Recognizing the opportunity to further help students through summer intervention programs, Kristine drove a partnership between BEF and BSD staff to implement Summer Boost, a program that provides students and families with the tools they need to engage in reading and math at home. Summer Boost brings programming to the students, making it easier for families to help students maintain the daily habit of reading by removing barriers like transportation and scheduling.
Kristine was quick to perceive the evolving needs of students: BEF was a pioneer in funding STEAM initiatives to provide support for the integration of STEAM topics in schools across the District through the Building STEAM 4 All initiative. Building STEAM 4 All originated in 2008 with 9 projects, growing to 44 in 2023.
Rob Guild, current BEF Board Chair and BSD parent shares,“It takes a rather miraculous person to lead a charitable organization. Kristine’s commitment to our mission has had a lasting impact on the students and staff of the Beaverton School District. Thanks to her exceptional commitment to BEF’s mission, we are strongly positioned for success going forward.”
At the November BEF Board of Directors meeting, Deputy Director Lauren Garrett was enthusiastically appointed Executive Director, effective January 1, 2025. Lauren grew up in Beaverton, and her 20 years of experience as a public policy and political strategist will be invaluable in BEF’s next phase of growth as a partner of the Beaverton community. Lauren’s fresh perspective and ability to lead effective, durable initiatives will enable BEF to respond to the evolving needs of the students and staff of the Beaverton School District.
“As a former Beaverton School District parent and Beaverton Education Foundation board member, I have seen Kristine Baggett’s dedication and leadership make a positive difference for students and teachers and for the community. I have known Lauren Garrett for years and I’m confident that she will be an exceptional Executive Director who will be dedicated to bettering the educational experience of Beaverton students. I look forward to seeing the BEF continue to thrive with her leadership,” shared Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici.
Please join BEF in thanking Kristine for her extraordinary contributions and the immeasurable good she has delivered to our community and in welcoming Lauren as the next steward of BEF’s mission.