WestEd recently announced that Kelsey Krausen has been selected to serve as the Director of the Strategic Resource Allocation and Systems Planning team. With her extensive background in education policy, finance, and systems improvement, Krausen will oversee the work of the team which helps education leaders ensure strategic and equitable distribution of school funding.

Krausen brings to the role over 20 years of expertise in education policy and administration. As a qualitative researcher, educator, and technical assistance provider, Krausen has spearheaded numerous projects in the K–12 and higher education sectors. Among Krausen’s notable contributions to the field of education finance is leading a study which found that school districts were facing a “silent recession”—significant and potentially damaging financial pressures despite increases in funding. This research has been crucial in identifying the challenges to budget stability and the need for more strategic resource management.

“Kelsey brings a unique perspective to exploring critical questions that get to the heart of how to ensure we make every dollar make a difference to achieve educational equity and outcomes,” said WestEd CEO Jannelle Kubinec. “With Kelsey’s leadership and deep and broad expertise and experience, the Resource Planning team is poised to increase their ability to help ensure that resources reach the students who need them most.”

In her previous role as a Senior Engagement Manager at WestEd, Krausen played a pivotal role in the strategic planning and review of both K–12 and higher education institutions. Her work developing integrated mental and behavioral health systems and evaluating California’s accountability system contributed to comprehensive approaches to improving education in the state.

“In this new role, I’m excited to help design, evaluate, and improve funding systems to ensure that schools have the resources they need to serve students and support educators and staff successfully,” said Krausen.

Krausen earned a PhD in school organization and educational policy from the University of California, Davis; an MA in public administration from San Francisco State University; and a BA in literature from the University of California, San Diego.