Kelly Running has been named the Hood River County School District’s Director of Special Education. Running has served as the principal of Hood River Options Academy since 2017. Prior to this role, she was the behavior and autism spectrum disorder specialist in the district for 10 years. Running worked as a learning specialist within the Lake Oswego School District for three years. She began her career in education at Portland Public Schools, serving in various special education roles and supporting students from preschool through 12th grade. The Hood River County School Board will vote to formalize Running’s appointment on August 15. Running replaces Kelly Beard after he resigned from the position in July.