New Richland School Superintendent Comes From Running Spokane

The Richland School Board has announced that Dr. Shelley Redinger, a veteran educator with deep roots in the Richland School District community, will be the district’s next superintendent.

Dr. Redinger, who spent the past eight years as superintendent of Spokane Public Schools and has served in that role in two other districts, was hired by the Richland School Board after the unexpected withdrawal of the district’s initial superintendent pick due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and what the school year might look like moving forward. Board members say they are excited to have an educator of Dr. Redinger’s caliber taking the helm of the district beginning Aug. 1.

“Shelley checks all the boxes of what our community told us they wanted in the next superintendent,” says Board President Rick Jansons. “We found her to be warm and a good listener, with a track record of success in the districts she previously led.  She is an innovative leader, who builds trust through authenticity, sincerity and humility.  She has demonstrated the ability to collaboratively implement change for continuous improvement.”

Board members considered a variety of options to fill the superintendent position with Dr. Rick Schulte, RSD’s current superintendent, retiring on June 30. The Board worked with its search consultant to review possible candidates who had previously expressed interest in the position.

Board members reached out to Dr. Redinger and their conversations demonstrated excellent alignment between the Board’s goals and her experience and vision.

One of Dr. Redinger’s first teaching jobs was in a second-grade classroom at Jefferson Elementary. She went on to become principal at Sacajawea Elementary and then the district’s Director of Teaching & Learning before departing to advance her career, including becoming superintendent of the Oregon Trail School District in Sandy, Ore., and of the Spotsylvania School District in Fredericksburg, Va.

Dr. Redinger holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education from Washington State University and a master’s and doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. She and her husband, a mechanical engineer, have one son.

“I truly believe that RSD is one of the best districts in the state, if not the country, and I am excited and honored to come and be a partner in the district's next chapter,” Dr. Redinger says. “I am here to partner and collaborate with the district’s staff and community so we continue elevating Richland to better successes together.”