Two Programs. One Mission.
Administration
Mrs. Deborah Ricker, Early Childhood Principal
Deborah Ricker began her career in USD 232 in 1997, serving as a school psychologist for early childhood through high school for eight years. After 11 years in the Blue Valley School District, Mrs. Ricker transitioned to Horizon Elementary in USD 232 to work as a school improvement, a position she held for three years. Mrs. Ricker then became the principal at Glenwood Ridge Elementary in the Basehor-Linwood School District for five years before returning again to USD 232 in 2024 as the Early Childhood principal at Cedar Trails Exploration Center.
Mrs. Ricker obtained a Master of Science, Education Specialist degree, and Building Leadership Licensure from Emporia State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Kansas State University.
Mrs. Ricker and her husband Jim have four daughters who they proudly raised in USD 232. When Mrs. Ricker is not supporting them on the sidelines of a soccer field, you can usually find her walking or jogging around the neighborhood, playing sand volleyball, or spending quality time with friends and family.
Mr. Tim Mispagel, Career & Technical Education Administrator
Tim Mispagel began his career with USD 232 in 2000 as a visual art instructor. He transitioned into educational administration in 2020 and has had the privilege of leading the Cedar Trails Exploration Center (CTEC) CAPS program since its opening in 2021. In addition to serving as an administrator, Mr. Mispagel teaches industrial design and drawing for designers at CTEC.
A former professional illustrator for Hallmark Cards and art director for Ingram’s Magazine, Mr. Mispagel’s career continues to bridge the gap between professional design, fine art, and public education in service to students and community.
Mr. Mispagel has a Master of Education from Pittsburg State University. He was named the Kansas Teacher of the Year Region 3 Semi-Finalist in 2005.
In addition to being an educator, Mr. Mispagel is a designer and nationally recognized public artist. He believes lifelong learning, creativity, and meaningful work are essential to personal and professional growth. His approach to education is grounded in connecting students to authentic experiences and helping them discover their own capacity to create, innovate, and lead.