The Ridgefield School District has selected Jenny Rodriquez as its new superintendent.
Rodriquez, currently assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in the Yakima School District, will begin July 1 pending a background check and final contract negotiations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jenny Rodriquez as our next superintendent,” Brett Jones, president of the Ridgefield School District’s Board of Directors, said in a Saturday statement. “Her proven leadership and unwavering commitment to student success make her a great fit for Ridgefield.
Rodriquez holds a bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s in teaching and a doctorate in educational leadership from Washington State University.
She also has experience as an elementary school secretary and attendance clerk in Richland and worked as a teacher, principal and executive director of teaching and learning in the Pasco School District.
“Foundational to my work is a passion and commitment to the success of every student,” Rodriquez wrote in her application for the position, according to the district.
Rodriquez was one of three finalists for the position. Another finalist, Asha Riley, was selected late last week as the new superintendent of neighboring Woodland Public Schools.
Chris Griffith has served as Ridgefield’s interim superintendent since Nathan McCann’s resignation in August. Earlier this year, Griffith — previously the assistant superintendent under McCann — said he wouldn’t be pursuing the permanent job but would return to the assistant position.
Before Rodriquez takes the chief role, the district hopes to pass two construction bond measures that could collect as much as $199 million. The money would be used to construct several new schools and make other building renovations across the district to address Ridgefield’s rapid population growth in recent years.
The two propositions will appear on the April 23 Special Election ballot. For more information about the bond measures, visit the district’s website at www.ridgefieldsd.org/page/bond.
