Superintendent
Ryan Ovenell
Ryan Ovenell was appointed as superintendent of the Stanwood-Camano School District by the School Board on June 3, 2025, after serving as interim superintendent since Jan. 1, 2025.
A Stanwood High School graduate and longtime district educator, Ovenell brings a deep understanding of our schools and community — as well as a clear, student-centered vision for the future.
He began his career in the classroom and later served as principal at Lincoln Hill High School, Lincoln academy and Saratoga School. At the district level, he took on roles as Executive Director of Human Resources and Deputy Superintendent before stepping into the interim leadership role earlier this year. That range of experience gives him a unique perspective on what students, families, and staff need to thrive.
Ovenell’s approach is rooted in the district’s Strategic Plan, a community-driven roadmap for student success. Even as interim superintendent, he continued advancing the plan’s key priorities, including building a strong foundation for early learners, eliminating achievement gaps through individualized growth and support, and ensuring every student graduates with a clear path to a fulfilling future.
As superintendent he is committed to increasing student achievement and graduation rates of our future-ready graduates through standards-focused instruction, data-driven supports, and strong partnerships with families and educators. At the same time, he will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of both students and staff by strengthening our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), maintaining safe and inclusive school environments, and ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging. This important work will be rooted in high expectations and a shared commitment to student success.
Superintendent's 100-Day Plan
My focus shifts from short-term stabilization to long-term alignment and impact. This 100-day plan is not about “getting up to speed” — it’s about building on the relationships, insights, and momentum we’ve already established. It is guided by the Stanwood-Camano Promise: Every student is empowered to learn in an inclusive setting and is prepared for the future of their choice.
I envision a thriving, student-centered district where every learner is known, supported, and challenged to meet their potential — guided by strong instruction, empowered educators, and a community united around learning.
Explore the sections below to learn more!
CORE BELIEFS
Engagement: Trust is built through transparency, consistency, and connection. I will continue to engage authentically with students, staff, families, and our broader community.
Equity: This is not an initiative — it is the lens through which every decision must be made. We will address disparities and strengthen inclusion so that every student can thrive.
Learning: Every student and every adult in our system should experience meaningful, high-quality learning every day. Learning is the core of our mission and our culture.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
This plan is designed to support and accelerate progress aligned to our equity-centered Strategic Plan framework:
District Priorities:
- Student Learning
- Instructional Effectiveness
- Empowering Infrastructure
- Equity and Belonging
Guiding Pillars:
- Pillar A: Teaching & Learning
- Pillar B: Engaging Our Partners
- Pillar C: Developing Our Capabilities
- Pillar D: Leading with Data
CURRENT STATE
Through board director and community feedback, the current state of our district balances between “Realignment” and “Accelerated Growth.” More specifically, we have an opportunity to correct culture and performance as well as meet rising demands.
This will occur through engaging in strategic focus areas and continuing alignment to our Strategic Plan.
Strategic Long Term Areas of Focus and Improvement
- Increase Assessment Achievement and Graduation Rate
- Safety of all students and staff
- Maintaining a high level of services through budget contractions
Entry Plan Phases
Click to expand each panel below for more details
- Phase 1: Transition Reflection (June 2025)
- Phase 2: Re-Engagement & Alignment (July-September 2025)
- Phase 3: Strategic Adjustments & Reporting (October- November 2025)
Phase 1: Transition Reflection (June 2025)
Phase 2: Re-Engagement & Alignment (July-September 2025)
Phase 3: Strategic Adjustments & Reporting (October- November 2025)
Let's Get To Work
These first six months have only deepened my belief in the strength and potential of the Stanwood-Camano School District. As we enter this next chapter together, I am committed to steady leadership, inclusive engagement, and student-centered progress. This plan reflects a continuation of our shared journey — grounded in who we are and ambitious about where we are going.