At its Regular Meeting on October 22, 2024, the Ridgefield School District Board of Directors appointed Amanda Ronstadt to fill the vacant Director of District 1 seat. Ronstadt was selected from a pool of three finalists following the resignation of former board member Emily Enquist. Ronstadt’s appointment will last until the seat is up for re-election in November 2025.
"Ridgefield has been my home since my husband and I moved here over 16 years ago, and I’ve seen how much our community has evolved over that time,” Ronstadt said. “Our schools are incredible, and I see a future where they continue to grow and become even more than the amazing institutions that they already are. Ridgefield echoes many of the same values that I grew up with: being a good neighbor, pulling together to solve problems, and seeking to understand one another in order to strengthen our community.”
Ronstadt began her teaching career in 2008 as a biology and physical science teacher at Fort Vancouver High School. She also taught horticulture science at Columbia River and Hudson’s Bay high schools and built the Horticulture program at Columbia River High School in 2010. Since 2012, she has focused on raising her children while remaining an active volunteer in the Ridgefield community.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Montana, a Master of Science in Plant Science from the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture, and a Secondary Science Teaching Certificate from the University of Arizona.
In addition to her professional experience, Ronstadt has demonstrated a strong commitment to community involvement. She is currently in her sixth season coaching her daughter's team for the Pacific Soccer Club, having previously served as assistant coach and team manager. Ronstadt has also been actively involved with Citizens for Ridgefield Schools, Union Ridge Elementary School’s library and PTO events, and various community outreach efforts, including the City of Ridgefield’s Multicultural Festival and Parks Clean-Up events.
“We are thrilled to welcome Amanda Ronstadt to the Ridgefield School District Board of Directors,” said Brett Jones, President of the Board. “Her experience working in education and deep commitment to our community through her volunteer efforts make her an excellent addition to the board. We had an incredibly strong pool of applicants, each bringing unique strengths, and Amanda stood out for her passion for Ridgefield and her vision for the future of our schools. Amanda’s contributions will help us continue to provide exceptional opportunities for our students.”