Ridgefield School District is pleased to announce the hiring of Elijah Denniston as the district’s new Manager of Maintenance and Facilities, effective July 1, 2025.
Denniston brings nearly 25 years of public service experience, beginning with his enlistment in the Arkansas Air National Guard in 2000. He went on to serve with distinction in both stateside and deployed roles, retiring from the Oregon Air National Guard in 2021 after 21 years of military service. His civilian career has included roles as a ScanEagle Operator and Maintenance Mechanic for Insitu, where he supported critical aviation systems in remote and high-pressure environments.
Following his time in aviation, Denniston transitioned into facilities operations at the Port of Portland and later Washington State University Vancouver, where he most recently served as Administrative Manager for Facilities Services. He holds a Facilities Management Professional (FMP) certification and is committed to fostering safe, efficient, and functional learning environments for students and staff alike.
A proud Ridgefield resident since 2011, Denniston lives with his wife Megan and their two daughters, Marlo and Quinn–both of whom have attended Ridgefield schools since kindergarten. Marlo will be a senior and Quinn a freshman at Ridgefield High School this fall.
“Elijah brings an impressive depth of experience and a strong commitment to service that will greatly benefit our schools and community,” said Superintendent Dr. Jenny Rodriquez. “As a Ridgefield parent and resident, he understands that our facilities are more than just school buildings–they are essential community spaces. We’re excited to welcome Elijah to the district and look forward to the leadership he will bring to support safe, sustainable, and welcoming environments for all.”
Denniston shared that he is honored to serve the community he calls home and looks forward to contributing to the district’s mission through dependable and proactive facilities management.