***Updated Tuesday, February 27th***
We regret to announce that Asha Riley, one of the three finalists for our superintendent position, has withdrawn from consideration for the post. While we are disappointed by this news, we respect Asha's decision and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. The previously scheduled interviews and community forums with Riley on Wednesday, February 28th have been canceled.
The search for our next superintendent continues, and we remain committed to selecting a highly qualified candidate who will lead our district with vision, integrity, and dedication to our students' success.
We will still be meeting with and interviewing Dr. Wesley Benjamin on Tuesday, February 27th, and Dr. Jenny Rodriquez on Thursday, February 29th. Your participation and feedback during these interviews are invaluable as we move forward in this process.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support throughout this process.
The original post is included below, but has been edited to reflect the updated schedule of finalists interviews.
The Ridgefield School District is pleased to announce the finalists to become the district’s next superintendent and is inviting the public to meet them at a pair of public forums.
On Tuesday, February 27th and Thursday, February 29th, one candidate per day will be available to meet with the public from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the View Ridge Middle School Commons. Those in attendance can meet the candidate and ask questions, and the district will collect feedback from the community regarding their thoughts on each candidate.
Each of these forums will also be broadcast via YouTube Live on the district’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/RidgefieldSchoolsWA, and the recordings will be posted to watch on demand for anyone unable to attend the forums in person.
If you would like to submit a question for the superintendent candidates ahead of the forums, please complete this Google form.
Here is the schedule of the candidates, as well as a brief bio for each candidate:
Tuesday, February 27
Dr. Wesley Benjamin, Executive Principal of Forney High School
Forney Independent School District in Forney, Texas
After completing a bachelor's degree in Theology from Ouachita Baptist University, Dr. Wesley Benjamin started his career in education as a high school physics and engineering teacher at Forney High School in Forney, Texas. Dr. Benjamin continued his education by earning master’s and doctorate degrees in Educational Leadership while transitioning to working as a learning specialist, a director of innovation, an assistant principal, and is currently the executive principal at Forney HS.
In his application, Dr. Benjamin wrote “Throughout my career at Forney Independent School District in Forney, Texas, I've experienced its growth from 8,500 to over 17,000 students. 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.”
“My leadership philosophy centers on building trust, collaboration, empowerment, and developing capacity in those around me. Throughout my career, I have focused on assembling and nurturing high-performing teams, recognizing and fostering individual strengths, and seamlessly integrating them into our overarching mission of educational excellence. This philosophy has been pivotal in creating a cohesive, goal-oriented culture that consistently delivers exceptional results.”
Thursday, February 29
Dr. Jenny Rodriquez, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
Yakima School District
Dr. Jenny Rodriquez first started working in education as an elementary school secretary and attendance clerk in Richland, WA. She completed her bachelor’s degree in history from Washington State University, and subsequently completed a master’s degree in teaching and then a doctorate in educational leadership from WSU. While working on her advanced degrees, Rodgriquez taught middle and high school social studies and English Language Arts before becoming a high school principal and then the executive director of teaching and learning in the Pasco School District in 2013. Since 2021, Rodriquez has been the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in the Yakima School District.
In her application, Rodriquez wrote, “I have 20-plus years of successful service in public education, in administrative, certificated, and classified roles, at all levels of the education system. Foundational to my work is a passion and commitment to the success of every student.”
“My core values are honesty, transparency, and continuous learning. In all that I do and with everyone with whom I work, I am known for clear, direct, and kind communication. Ensuring my words and actions align is core to who I am, and I believe we achieve the greatest success when each person is encouraged to show up as they are and build on their unique skills and talents to create something truly special together.”
Please note that while all RSD staff are welcome to attend these public forums, there will also be other opportunities exclusively for staff members to meet with the candidates.
To submit a question prior to these forums, please complete this Google form.
To provide your feedback about these candidates after either attending the forums or watching the videos online, please complete this Google form.