Meet our Principal

Hello John Muir Community, 

I am Ms. Boughton, the proud Principal of John Muir Elementary! As a young girl, my dad always told me, “Do what you love and love what you do.” For me, those words still ring true and have guided me into the world of teaching and learning. It is my passion to encourage, empower, and equip students, teachers, and families with the skills and knowledge to be successful. I have a passion for teaching and learning and building an inclusive school culture. Each year, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Muir community to do this important work together. .  

I have had the privilege of serving at John Muir Elementary for the past seven years, where I have grown alongside a dedicated staff and community. During my time in Lake Washington School District,  I also served as Associate Principal at Emily Dickinson Elementary, where I gained valuable perspective and leadership experience. Prior to administration, I worked as a Professional Learning Coach and was a classroom teacher in LWSD. Across all of my roles, I have consistently partnered with teachers to strengthen student learning and build instructional capacity through reflective dialogue and collaboration. Having served in LWSD for 20 years, I feel grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to our district and community in the year ahead.

On a personal note, I enjoy spending itme with my family cheering on Washington State University Cougs, spending time playing in our backyard, and watching sports. As the first high school and college graduate in my family, I have a strong commitment to ensuring each student develop the skills and knowledge needed to have the opportunity of choice; the choice to do what they love and love what they do.

With care and committement,

Ashley Boughton

Dear John Muir staff, parents, students and community!

I am excited to be apart of the John Muir community as the Associate Principal and would like to share a little about myself! Teaching and learning has been a passion of mine since I was a child. I firmly believe that there is always more to learn and ways to grow, and I am excited to continue to share that passion with the John Muir Community.  

This is my seventh year in the Lake Washington School District. During the 2018-2019 school year I was the Associate Principal at Christa McAuliffe and Samantha Smith Elementary Schools. Prior to coming to the Lake Washington School District, I worked in the Kent School District as an Educational Assistant/Dean of Students and Academic and Behavior Interventionist for two years. I have also taught 1st grade in the Renton School District and 2nd Grade in the Tooele County School District outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.

I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jerry, and our animals, Izzy, a yellow Lab, and Rusty, an orange tabby cat. I was born and raised in Montana where most of my family still lives and I visit as often as possible.

I look forward to continue collaborating with our JME community and supporting the great work that is happening at Muir!

Sincerely,
Bridget Ballard