Message From New Lakeridge Principal Jennifer Cleaves

New Lakeridge Principal Jennifer Cleaves standing outside Lakeridge Elementary

June 5, 2025

Dear Lakeridge Elementary School Students, Staff, Families, and Friends,

My name is Jennifer Cleaves, and I am honored to introduce myself as your new principal. I bring 28 years of experience in public education—as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator in both Washington and Colorado—and most recently served as principal of Finn Hill Middle School and the Environmental and Adventure School in Lake Washington School District.

At my core, I believe relationships are the heart of education. I look forward to partnering with you to support student success and foster a strong, connected school community.

On a personal note, I have two children: my daughter, Mia, will be a junior at the University of Colorado Boulder (Sko Buffs!) and my son, Kai, will be a freshman at Innovation Lab High School in Bothell. I have two Shih Tzu rescue dogs (a father/son duo named Lilo and Boom) and a black domestic shorthair cat named Sassy. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy traveling, working out, rooting for the Mariners, going to concerts, and attending theater performances.

As I begin this exciting new chapter, I will be engaging in a 100-day entry plan designed to help me deeply understand the history, culture, and strengths of Lakeridge. I’ll spend time listening, learning, and building relationships—with students, families, staff, and the wider community. Through interviews, observations, and surveys, I’ll gather insights that will inform a collaborative action plan focused on continuous growth. This plan will be shared with you in the fall as we begin the work of moving from excellent to exceptional—together.

Leadership transitions can bring uncertainty, but please know I am committed to Lakeridge for the long term. I look forward to learning alongside you, celebrating what makes this school special, and co-creating a bright future.

Proud to be a Lion,

Jennifer M. Cleaves
Principal, Lakeridge Elementary School