Ex-Lakeland super ready for challenge

Mary Ann Ranells has traversed the state during a 43-year career in education. Her resume includes stops at six Idaho school districts and a three-year stint as a deputy to former state superintendent Marilyn Howard. Her latest move has taken her out of retirement — and into the top spot in Idaho’s largest district. As West Ada’s new superintendent, she inherits challenges that include enrollment growth, an emotional debate over school boundaries and a recall campaign that targets four of the district’s five trustees. If Ranells is worried, she doesn’t show it. She describes teacher retention, a perennial issue in underfunded West Ada, as a “great luscious challenge.” She is equally positive about everything on her checklist. “I think I’m the luckiest kid on the block right now,” said Ranells, 64, in a recent interview with Idaho Education News and KIVI/KNIN TV/ Kevin Richert , Idaho Education News. More here .