Keyes Union School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Craig Mello as superintendent of Keyes Union School District in Keyes, California. Mello brings over 30 years of both classroom and administrative experience in education in Stanislaus County.

In 1996, Mello began his career in Modesto City Schools as a special education teacher at Garrison Elementary School, then later taught third grade and sixth grade at Tuolumne Elementary School for the majority of his career. As an administrator, he was an Administrator of Special Projects at Shackelford Elementary School, an assistant principal at Yolo Middle School in Newman, California, and most recently as principal of Keyes Elementary School.

Mello received his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from CSU Stanislaus, has a supplementary degree in music, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Chapman University, and a doctorate in Education Leadership with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction from University of Phoenix.

Mello cites his educational priorities as building relationships, increasing community involvement, improving the overall student experience at all grade levels, and maintaining financial solvency.

Having worked in both extremely large districts and extremely small ones, Mello acknowledges the distinct difference between the two and cites how rewarding working in a small district can be. From working with individual students and families, to leading and supporting staff across an entire school community, Mello looks forward to using his experience to strengthen relationships, increase community involvement, and improve the educational experience for all Keyes Union students.