Hood Canal School is proud to shine a spotlight on Bill Kallappa II, a distinguished alum whose lifelong commitment to education, youth empowerment, and tribal advocacy continues to make a profound impact across Washington state.
A Makah Tribe member, Bill and his twin sister grew up on the Skokomish Reservation, where their father was both a pastor and a dairy farmer. Their educational journey began right here at Hood Canal School, where they attended from Kindergarten through 8th grade before graduating from Shelton High School.
Bill's deep connection to his roots and passion for youth development led him to serve the Skokomish Indian Tribe in various roles, including Youth Coordinator and Youth Manager. He also spent time coaching basketball for Hood Canal students, inspiring the next generation both on and off the court.
A Leader in Education & Tribal Advocacy
Today, Bill serves as the Chair of The Washington State Board of Education, a position he has held since being appointed by Governor Jay Inslee in 2019. With over 25 years of experience in public education, youth programming, and tribal outreach, Bill continues to champion educational equity and cultural representation.
As the Education Liaison for the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Bill collaborates with K-12 schools and higher education institutions to integrate local tribal history and knowledge into classrooms, ensuring Native perspectives are recognized and honored.
Making a Lasting Impact
Among his many contributions to education and community engagement, Bill has:
Co-Founded the Inter Tribal League (ITL): A sports league that provides access to basketball, softball, flag football, and soccer for tribal youth.
Partnered with the Seattle Storm: Helping establish an annual basketball camp dedicated to serving Native youth.
Served as a Parks Commissioner for Tumwater: Advocating for community spaces and recreational opportunities.
Led state and national efforts in Indian education: Working to expand opportunities and representation for Native students.
A graduate of The Evergreen State College, Bill balances his career in education with time spent with his wife, Maia Bellon, and their daughter, Talia.
We are incredibly proud to call Bill a Hood Canal Orca alum and celebrate his ongoing dedication to education, youth, and community leadership. His journey serves as an inspiration to our students and a testament to the impact of lifelong learning.