A Message from Superintendent Dr. James Everett
First, I want to share with you that Assistant Principal Nate Beede has accepted a new position as a social studies teacher at Meridian Middle School for next school year. I want to thank Mr. Beede for his years of dedicated service to IRE. Mr. Beede shared that he is excited about this new opportunity and we wish him all the best.
Looking ahead to next year, Irene Reither Elementary will be supported by two assistant principals.
Rebecca Kratzig and Holly Li have both accepted the opportunity to serve in these roles.
Rebecca Kratzig
This past year, Mrs. Kratzig has served as Dean of Instruction and has done a phenomenal job. She is organized, motivated and committed to students. Mrs. Kratzig earned her administrative credentials from the University of Washington’s Danforth Educational Leadership Program in June 2025.
Mrs. Kratzig earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language from Western Washington University and her master’s degree in K-8 Elementary Education from Pacific Lutheran University. She began her career in education as a Special Education paraeducator at Cascade Elementary School in Renton and started teaching fourth grade in the Puyallup School District in 2016. In 2018, Mrs. Kratzig taught seventh grade English Language Arts at Surprise Lake Middle School in Fife. She joined Irene Reither Elementary in 2020 as a fifth grade teacher, spent two years as an instructional coach, and stepped into the role of Dean of Instruction at the beginning of this year. Mrs. Kratzig is a Meridian graduate, and we are so fortunate to have her continuing her leadership here at IRE.
Holly Li
Mrs. Li has been teaching in Meridian since 2015, serving both as a first grade teacher and as a multilingual learner specialist. This past year, Mrs. Li also served as an instructional coach and administrative intern. She is currently earning her administrative credentials at City University of Seattle, with completion expected in June 2026.
Mrs. Li is a National Board Certified Teacher in English as a New Language. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health and Behavioral Science from the University of Utah and her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University.
Mrs. Li began her career in education as a first grade and pre-K teacher in Bronx, New York. She later taught first and second grade at Shumway Elementary in Arizona and spent a year teaching first grade in Tokyo, Japan. Mrs. Li has been an incredible asset to IRE; her breadth of experience and dedication to students are invaluable, and we are fortunate to have her stepping into this leadership role.
Mrs. Kratzig and Mrs. Li will officially transition into their roles on July 1. Please join me in welcoming them as assistant principals at Irene Reither Elementary.