Principal Kelly Kriss

It is our pleasure to introduce and welcome Ms. Kelly Kriss as the new principal at Mill Valley Middle School. She officially joinefd our school community on July 1, 2025. Ms. Kriss brings nearly a decade of leadership experience in both middle and high school settings, previously serving as Principal of Adele Harrison Middle School and having previously led Petaluma Junior High School. Her career reflects a strong commitment to student growth and educational excellence, and she was recently honored as the 2024–2025 ACSA Middle Grades Principal of the Year for Region 4.  Her deep understanding of adolescent development, wide-ranging teaching experience, and proven leadership make her an exceptional addition to our team, and we are confident she will bring both stability and fresh energy to Mill Valley Middle School. 

Assistant Principal Melanie Harris

We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Melanie Harris as the new assistant principal of Mill Valley Middle School. Ms. Harris brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, with a strong background in instructional leadership, student support, and community engagement, and she joins newly appointed principal Kelly Kriss in leading the school into an exciting new chapter. She began her career as a reading specialist aide at a Title 1 school and later became a classroom teacher, quickly emerging as a leader among her peers. Her experience includes roles as district instructional coach, state mentor for MTSS/PBIS, and national professional development consultant, all emphasizing collaboration and relationship-building. Most recently, she held administrative roles in Sonoma County and the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District, consistently centering her work on communication, inclusivity, and student-focused learning. At Mill Valley Middle School, her priority will be fostering strong connections with students, staff, and families.  She holds master’s degrees from the University of Utah and San Francisco State University, with certifications in both reading and math, and credits her mother, also an educator, along with her own children, for inspiring her passion for learning.