Dr. Spanjer recently retired after 36 years in public education in the State of Washington, the last 13 serving as the Superintendent of the Blaine School District. Ron received a B.A in Elementary Education from Western Washington University, an M.A. in School Administration from Eastern Washington University, and his Doctoral Degree (Ed.D.) from Seattle Pacific University. Over the course of his career, Dr. Spanjer worked in a variety of roles, including Classroom Teacher, Elementary Principal, Middle School Principal, Director of Special Education, Human Resources Director, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent. Ron has also served as an Adjunct Instructor in the Principal Certification Program at Western Washington University. Dr. Spanjer is excited to join the CIS Board, as he shares an intense passion for supporting the complex academic and social/emotional needs of students in the Whatcom and Skagit County Regions. Ron believes very strongly in the importance of school, family and community collaboration and partnership in addressing the increasingly complex needs of all students, and in particular equity for those students at greatest risk of being marginalized, and subsequently underserved, within the system.