Ms. Kira Hurst

Ms. Hurst was born in Southern California but raised in a variety of countries as her parents pursued their careers with the Department of Defense Education Activity, formerly known as Department of Defense Dependent Schools. Ms. Hurst returned to the U.S. to attend the University of California, Irvine and earned a bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Spanish. She later earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Long Beach. She began her teaching career in 1990 outside of Bakersfield, California. In 1991, she joined DoDEA as a teacher in Seoul, Korea. Ms. Hurst taught Social Studies and Spanish for many years at both the middle and high school levels. She was also extensively involved in extra-curricular activities both in coaching and student government in Korea, Guam and the United Kingdom.

Ms. Hurst returned to California in 2002 and moved into administration in 2006, serving as an Assistant Principal in Activities, Supervision, Guidance and Special Education in the Huntington Beach Union High School District for eight years. In 2013, Ms. Hurst accepted a position as Principal at TeWinkle Middle School in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. While Principal, she worked with staff to implement a series of academic and behavior interventions that earned the school a Gold Ribbon Award, and Title I Achievement Award for Academic Excellence, the first recognition from the State of California in almost 30 years.

In 2017, Ms. Hurst accepted the position of Principal of the Sullivans Elementary School. Moving into an elementary school was a new experience for her, and she enjoyed learning all about primary education. She feels blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such a kind and professional staff.

Ms. Hurst accepted the Principal position at Kinnick High School in March of 2021. She is excited to join the Red Devil team of respected educators at KHS.