People in Business
The Ridgefield School District Board of Directors has selected Jake Bredstrand to fill the District 5 Director position left vacant when board member Zenia Bringhurst resigned last month after moving out of the district. Bredstrand was sworn in at the Ridgefield school board meeting on Oct. 10.
“As the son of two high school teachers, I have a deep passion for and knowledge of the public school system here in Washington,” Bredstrand said. “My personal leadership experience and time serving in various board capacities has me well-prepared for this opportunity. I especially hope to be a voice for the younger families who are settling into Ridgefield and sending their kids to school for the first time. It is an honor to join the Ridgefield School District as a Director, and I look forward to actively representing my constituents.”
Bredstrand is the Lead Enterprise Account Manager for Culture Amp. Bredstrand has served on the City of Ridgefield’s Parks Board and Budget Advisory Committee, has volunteered with the Ridgefield Lions Club, and is a board member of the Kennedy Farm HOA. Bredstrand has also volunteered with the Future Farmers of America and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Vancouver Public Schools’ Hilda Lail has been recognized as the 2023 Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year. Lail was presented with the award on Sept. 30 by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal at the 2023 Educator Awards Ceremony in Olympia.
With more than 10 years working in various roles at Vancouver Public Schools, Lail has worked as a paraeducator, Family Community Resource Coordinator, and for the past few years, has served as the District Spanish Family Advocate. Her contributions led to Lail being recognized by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction as Classified School Employee of the Year.
“This award is a great honor to me. It’s not just a recognition of my work and dedication, but a testament to the incredible team and support that have been with me throughout this journey,” stated Lail, who continued, “This is also a reminder that perseverance and passion can lead to extraordinary achievements. I am deeply honored and motivated to continue making a positive impact in my field.”
Lail also manages Vancouver Public Schools en Español, a YouTube program that features important information for families in Spanish, and the Vancouver Public Schools Family Advisory Group, one of five advisory structures with the district. The family advisory is comprised of a group of 25-30 people that represent and reflect the broader district demographics, ensuring a more equitable and diverse representation in strategic planning work, sharing feedback, and helping to review and prioritize input received from the community.
The Columbian welcomes submissions about Clark County residents or businesses, as well as regional business events. Information must be received by noon of the Tuesday preceding the intended Sunday publication date. Send to hope.martinez@columbian.com or fax 360-735-4540. Sales awards are not published.
