The Ridgefield School District announced the three finalists to become the district’s next superintendent and invited the public to meet them at a series of public forums.
Public forums will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Feb. 27 through Thursday, Feb. 29 at View Ridge Middle School Commons, 3215 S. Hillhurst Road, Ridgefield.
Below is the forum schedule of the candidates:
People unable to attend can watch the broadcasts live or after the fact on the district’s YouTube Channel at youtube.com/c/RidgefieldSchoolsWA.
Ridgefield School District staff are welcome to attend the forums but will have further opportunities to meet the candidates, according to the press release.
People can submit questions prior to the forums at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUUEMtQ66yxv2MQsJeJvBfmvVx-TYoh-mTPehGyZRTE8pZog/viewform.
After the forums, community members are encouraged to provide feedback about the candidates by going to docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA_pd7afdAUResuDLS-UOxly9AdlxXDETym_3G00csfZrtyg/viewform.
Dr. Wesley Benjamin, executive principal of Forney High School
After completing a bachelor's degree in theology from Ouachita Baptist University, Benjamin started his career in education as a high school physics and engineering teacher at Forney High School in Forney, Texas. He is currently the executive principal in Forney, Texas.
“Throughout my career at Forney Independent School District in Forney, Texas, I've experienced its growth from 8,500 to over 17,000 students," he wrote in his application. "I've helped to lead numerous bond campaigns, securing over $2 billion with strong voter support. This journey has sharpened my skills in strategic planning, fiscal management and community engagement, essential for guiding a district through significant growth.”
Asha Riley, assistant superintendent, Woodland Public Schools
Riley has a bachelor’s degree in early learning education from Concordia University, completed a master’s degree in education from City University and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Washington State University. Riley has been an elementary school principal, a director of teaching and learning and an assistant superintendent in Woodland. She completed her superintendent credential from Washington State University (WSU) in 2014.
“My leadership style is rooted in integrity, transparency, and optimism," Riley wrote in her application. "I prioritize building trust within a team by consistently demonstrating honesty, reliability and a strong moral compass. I believe in leading by example and maintaining focus on doing what is best for kids. I am deeply committed to the success and well-being of every student.”
Dr. Jenny Rodriquez, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, Yakima School District
Rodriguez first started working in education as an elementary school secretary and attendance clerk in Richland. She completed her bachelor’s degree in history from Washington State University and received a master’s degree in teaching and then a doctorate in educational leadership from WSU. Since 2021, she has been the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in the Yakima School District.
“I have 20-plus years of successful service in public education, in administrative, certificated, and classified roles, at all levels of the education system," she wrote in her application. "Foundational to my work is a passion and commitment to the success of every student.”
