Mrs. Renae Roth, Principal
Mrs. Roth is thrilled to serve as the Principal of Mountain Ridge Middle School, where she is deeply committed to building strong relationships with students and their families and fostering a culture of high academic rigor. Her journey at MRMS began during the 2021-22 school year, when she first joined the school to teach 8th grade Language and Literature. She then became an Assistant Principal and served in that role for three years before becoming the principal. Mrs. Roth brings a wealth of diverse educational and leadership experience to the administration team. Before joining MRMS, she served as the principal of an online middle school for three years, where she also taught 9th grade through AP English.
As dedicated lifelong learner, Mrs. Roth earned her bachelor's degree in English and her master's degree in Educational Media from the University of Northern Colorado. She also holds a Principal’s License from CSU Global. In her free time, Mrs. Roth enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors making memories with her husband and two sons.
Mr. Brian Wright, Assistant Principal
Mr. Wright serves as an Assistant Principal at Mountain Ridge Middle School. He is passionate about creating a positive school climate where students feel known, supported, and challenged. His work centers on student success, strong systems, and collaborative problem-solving with staff and families—always with the goal of helping students build confidence, responsibility, and resilience.
Prior to Mountain Ridge, Mr. Wright worked in secondary education as a mathematics teacher, football coach, and Dean of Students.
Mr. Wright holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado. Outside of school, he enjoys home improvement projects and golf, and he loves spending time with his wife and children.
John Ross, Middle School Dean
John Ross is an educator and administrator whose career reflects a deep commitment to student growth, character and school culture.
During college, John was a wide receiver at Olivet Nazarene University, contributing to a conference championship team and a memorable trip to the 1998 National Championship game. That experience helped shape a lifelong appreciation for teamwork, perseverance and leadership.
Following college, John spent 13 years teaching mathematics in Chicago Public Schools at a nationally recognized “School to Watch,” where he supported students through rigorous instruction and high expectations.
In 2017, John relocated to Colorado Springs and continued teaching a wide range of mathematics courses, including grade-level math, math intervention, Algebra I and Geometry. In addition to teaching, John coached cross country and later football, further strengthening connections with students beyond the classroom.
Since 2025, John has served as Dean of Students, embracing the challenge of supporting students academically, behaviorally and socially.
He is passionate about helping students grow as learners and leaders while building a positive, respectful school climate that reflects what it truly means to be a Grizzly “@theRIDGE.”