Superintendent

Krestin G. Bahr is a transformational education leader who has dedicated her career to creating innovative, student-centered learning environments that inspire both educators and learners to excel. As Superintendent of Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor, Washington, she leads a vibrant community of 9,000 students and staff across 17 schools, bringing her passionate belief in the power of education to create positive change.

Since joining PSD in 2021, Krestin has orchestrated a period of unprecedented growth. She has overseen the opening of four new schools and the comprehensive remodel of two middle schools, while securing grants to establish three Mastery-Based Arts Impact Schools. Under her guidance, PSD joined the League of Innovative Schools and earned national recognition as an AASA "District to Watch" for its work in early literacy and environmental sustainability. In 2025, PSD was one of only three districts nationwide to receive the Innovative Technology Integration award from the Center for Digital Education and the NSBA.

This commitment to excellence is reflected in rising graduation rates and numerous accolades, including seven schools honored by the Washington State School Recognition Program in 2025. District highlights include PHS's designation as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, the TideHawks' NJROTC Most Outstanding Unit award, and PSD's status as a Purple Star district. Evergreen and Artondale Elementary Schools have been recognized as Washington Green Schools, and two schools have earned the prestigious OSPI STEM Lighthouse School designation.

Prior to PSD, Krestin served as Superintendent of Eatonville School District (2013–2021), where she gained national attention for the GRITS (Growing Relationships in The Soil) farm program and Eatonville's recognition as a Google Reference District. Her pioneering work in STEM and outdoor learning earned three OSPI STEM Lighthouse School designations and multiple Green Ribbon Awards.

A lifelong learner, Krestin holds a Superintendent Certification from Washington State University, a Master of Education from City University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Pacific Lutheran University. She serves on the AASA Executive Committee and was appointed by the Governor to the Professional Educator Standards Board.

Krestin's innovative approach continues to earn acclaim. She has emerged as a leading voice in educational innovation, presenting at prestigious conferences including the AASA AI Super Summit 2025 and AI Innovation Summit 2025. She was recently selected for the North America K-12 chapter of the Google & GSV Ed Leader Fellowship, and is a two-time AASA Superintendent of the Year nominee and a 2023 Leader of Distinction Award recipient. Through collaborative leadership, she continues to shape education in Washington state and beyond.

Outside of her professional achievements, Krestin has been married to her husband, Bryon, for more than 40 years. They have three grown children and are proud grandparents to four grandchildren.