News Details

The Stanwood-Camano School District and interim superintendent Ryan Ovenell have announced several important updates to the district's leadership team.

First, we would like to congratulate Dr. Ben Gauyan, our Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, on his appointment as the next superintendent of the Walla Walla School District. Dr. Gauyan’s steady leadership, collaborative spirit, and commitment to instructional excellence have left a lasting mark on our district. 

As part of this transition, Dr. Colin Ryan, currently Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Support, will become our new Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. Dr. Ryan brings a strong record of system-level leadership and instructional alignment, and we are confident in his ability to continue advancing our core priorities on behalf of students, educators, and families.

We are also preparing to say farewell to Church Creek Campus Principal Tod Klundt, who will retire at the end of this school year after 19 years as a leader in our schools. His service has shaped the lives of countless students and colleagues. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.

With Principal Klundt’s retirement, we are pleased to announce that Jennifer Allen, who has served as principal of Twin City Elementary for the past 11 years, will step into a new dual leadership role beginning this summer. Mrs. Allen will become the Principal of Church Creek Campus, as well as take on a district-level role as our Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Mrs. Allen is a trusted, equity-driven leader with a deep understanding of our schools, our community, and the systems that support effective teaching and learning. She is known for her thoughtful approach to instructional leadership, strong staff relationships, and unwavering focus on student success. Her transition to Church Creek Campus allows her to continue supporting students in a direct, day-to-day role while also contributing to districtwide instructional alignment and innovation.

This leadership model is not only designed to maintain momentum across our instructional work, but also reflects a necessary adjustment in light of ongoing budget reductions. This allows us to sustain strong leadership while reducing overall costs to the district.

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