About Our District

About Sunnyside School District

Established in 1895, the Sunnyside School District offers Pre-K-12 education to students residing in Sunnyside and Outlook. We emphasize each child's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development and strive to instill high standards of academic integrity and leadership in our students. Our programs give students the technology, resources, and knowledge to be effective members of our school community and a global society.

Each of our eight campuses boast modern facilities and grounds, state-of-the-art, student-friendly technology, and a great faculty of ambitious teachers and support staff ready to give our students the best opportunities to succeed.

Sunnyside School District, where our students will be Career, College, and Life Ready!

Our Vision

All students will be successful. Career, College, + Life Ready

Our Five Priorities

STRONG START - STRONG CLASSROOMS - STRONG SENSE OF BELONGING - STRONG FUTURE - STRONG PARTNERSHIPS

Visit our Strategic Plan Page to learn more about our roadmap to success!

Our Superintendent

Ryan Maxwell has dedicated his entire professional career to the success of students, staff, and the broader Sunnyside community. Since moving to Sunnyside in 1998, he has served in nearly every educational role—teacher, coach, building administrator, and now Superintendent—bringing steady, student-centered leadership to every level of the Sunnyside School District.

His Sunnyside journey began in 1997 at P.R.I.D.E. Alternative School, shortly after earning his History degree, English minor, and Teaching Certification from Washington State University. It was at P.R.I.D.E. that Ryan developed the enduring philosophy that continues to guide his work: all students matter, and school systems must take full ownership of every learner—providing the support necessary for each student to succeed.

Grounded in the belief that learning never stops, Ryan went on to earn a Master in Teaching from Grand Canyon University (2000), an Administrative Credential from Heritage University (2006), and a Superintendent’s Credential from Washington State University (2022).

Throughout his career, Ryan’s commitment to students and community has earned him deep respect and formal recognition. In 2006, he received the Golden Apple Award for his impact as a history teacher at Sunnyside High School. In 2016, he was honored with the Spirit of Sunnyside Award by the City of Sunnyside, recognizing his enduring contributions to the community he proudly serves.

Before becoming Superintendent, Ryan served as Principal of Sunnyside High School for nine years. During his tenure, the school consistently maintained a 90% graduation rate, experienced remarkably low staff turnover, and achieved steady gains in college-going rates. Under his leadership, the school earned the Schools of Distinction Award four years in a row and received the Supportive Schools Award from the State of Washington. That same year, 2016, Ryan was named Secondary Principal of the Year for the State of Washington and was selected as one of just 15 principals nationwide to meet with U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. John King in Washington, D.C.

As Superintendent of the Sunnyside School District, Ryan now leads a committed team of over 1,000 staff in service to more than 6,000 students across eight school buildings. His leadership bridges high expectations with a deep belief in the potential of every student and staff member, reinforcing a districtwide culture of equity, purpose, and achievement.

Among his most impactful contributions as Superintendent is the development of Sunnyside’s first Strategic Plan in more than 15 years—a bold, community-rooted vision that now drives innovation, alignment, and long-term progress. Ryan’s visible and transparent leadership has built strong trust among students, staff, families, and civic leaders. He has infused the District’s Conceptual Framework—Relational Trust, Social Support, and Academic Press—into every layer of practice, including the Strategic Plan. Under his guidance, Sunnyside has become a recognized K-12 AVID District, a model of college and career readiness at every grade level, and continues to raise the bar in academic excellence and whole-child development.

Ryan is proud to serve the staff, students, and families of the Sunnyside School District. He is married to his wife, Sindy, and together they have three grown sons—Kaden, Kyan, and Evan. Outside of his work in education, Ryan is an avid runner, reader, wake surfer, and traveler who enjoys making memories with his family and living life to the fullest.