After a rigorous selection process, the Ferndale School Board has named Dr. Kristi Dominguez as its new superintendent. Dominguez currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning for the Bellingham School District. The board approved Dominguez’s appointment in a unanimous vote on Friday, March 25, 2022. She is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2022.

Dominguez was selected from a large pool of well-qualified applicants for her demonstrated visionary leadership qualities, focus on removing barriers and promoting excellence for all students, and rich background that resonated with students, staff, and community.

Three finalists visited the district this week touring schools, meeting with staff, students, community members, and leading a public forum.

During the interview process, Dominguez expressed her interest in the Ferndale School District and becoming a part of the special community with an undeniable sense of pride. She commended the district for its positive work in various areas and talked about her desire to be visible and learning more about the district's history to continue building strong community partnerships.

Ferndale School Board President Dr. Kevin Erickson shared that the school board was impressed with her emphasis on academics and making students feel that they belong. Additionally, they appreciated her recognizing parents as the first educators in their child’s lives, as well as the instrumental roles every member of the ferndale school district play in the success of our students.

“We want to thank the community, staff, and students for their engagement in the process,” said Erickson. “Their valuable input supported the board in making an informed decision that we believe is the best choice for the future of our district.”

Dominguez will oversee the daily operations of the Ferndale School District, including management of its $80 million budget, approximately 600 employees, nine schools, and numerous programs and partnerships.

“I am incredibly excited and thrilled to be a part of the Ferndale community and the Ferndale School District,” Dominguez said. “I look forward to collectively building a vision and dreaming of a future where our students are thriving and achieving at high levels.”

Dominguez will take over the superintendent position from Interim Superintendent Mark Deebach who was appointed after Dr. Linda Quinn retired in October 2021.

Erickson added, “The board would like to express their sincere appreciation for Mark Deebach’s leadership this year as we navigated through this search process. We'd also like to welcome Dr. Dominguez to Ferndale and are confident that she can lead the district to higher levels of academic achievement through her philosophy of ‘teach to the heart of the child, and the mind will follow.’”