Kylie Grunow, Project Director
Kylie Grunow is Project Director for the Chalkboard Project and mom to three beautiful girls, ages 6, 4 and 3. Kylie was born and raised in Southern Oregon and earned her bachelor’s degree in both political science and history from the University of Portland. Joining Chalkboard in 2008, Kylie brought with her experience in political consulting, strategic planning, and program management gained over the last decade in her professional life and the past six years as a parent. Improving the lives of children is near and dear to Kylie’s heart and she is thankful to work for an organization with same mission.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Chalkboard Project team?
The talented and committed individuals who serve on our board of directors and work on our staff AND the vision they strive to achieve: Oregon’s public schools among the nation’s best.
Who was your mentor growing up?
My grandfather. To me, he was a thoughtful and loving grandpa who took the time to teach the constellations to a five-year-old, play Scrabble with an eight-year-old (his favorite zinger was “quay”), and listen to a fifteen-year-old (who thought she knew quite a lot). To students in some of Oregon’s most rural schools, he was a favorite teacher, principal, and coach.
What do you like to do on a rainy Saturday afternoon?
Without my girls: read an entire book in one sitting. With my girls: bake something with entirely too much sugar and have a mini-dance party while we wait for it to be done.
What do you love most about Oregon?
I love the green. I love the blackberries that grow along the coast. I love the small towns and the roads that get you there. I love raising my three girls here knowing that more often than not, someone will help them if they are lost, smile at them if they are nice, and stop for them if they are trying to cross the street.
