Between overcrowded classrooms, fighting between members of the school board and a highly publicized retirement by Dr. Linda Clark, the public perception of the West Ada School District may be less than confident.
However, sitting down with newly elected West Ada School District Superintendent Mary Ann Ranells, it’s easy to forget all the past disagreements.
Dr. Ranells is focused on a basic question for the state’s largest school district: “What is the best for kids?”
Her excitement for the job seems to electrify the room around her as she passionately explained how she felt during a sit down interview with 6 On Your Side.
“From the bottom of my heart I think I am the luckiest kid on the block right now,” Dr. Ranells beams.
When asked about the moment the West Ada School District Superintendent position opened up following Dr. Linda Clark’s departure, Dr. Ranells knew it was the right call to enter the race.
“It was one of those times in my life when I knew I had to throw my hat in the ring and hope I would be the one selected. This is a phenomenal district, phenomenal staff and the most amazing kids," Dr. Ranells explained while smiling.
Dr. Ranells says her mission is to be positive for the district and even sometimes refers to problems or issues of leadership and district management as “luscious challenges.”
When directly asked about the current recall effort against four of the five board members, she refused to comment by explaining that the role of a superintendent is to not be political.
“The focus of what's happening in this district is in the right place, on the right things. What other adults are doing outside of our house, I don't know.”
