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A message from Dr. Kristi Dominguez, Superintendent, Ferndale Schools.
Dear Students, Families, and Staff of the Ferndale School District,
It was such an honor to become your new Superintendent for the Ferndale School District in 2022. I cannot thank you enough for the warm welcome I received. I am humbled and honored to serve as a partner, focused on supporting the development of a unified vision that will elevate the incredible strengths of the students and staff. One of Ferndale’s strengths is the collective commitment that is centered on the community, especially our youth.
It doesn’t feel like long ago that I attended my first Ferndale School District school board meeting where several of our students eloquently shared during public comments. Their appreciation towards our community, the board, and staff carried a through line in each of their presentations. Each expressed some form of genuine gratefulness for various course offerings, clubs, activities, athletics, and the general care of our staff. One student summarized it best when he said, “Our small-town feel doesn’t come from the size, but the people.” Being a small-town girl myself, the power of this statement was not lost on me. It aligns with my core belief, “If you teach to the heart of a child, their mind will follow.”
Education is certainly not an easy job but comes with tremendous reward. As educators, board members, business partners, and community members, we have the collective responsibility to believe in each one of our students. Our role is to provide them with the support needed, preparing them to leave the Ferndale School District equipped to engage in a future that builds upon their strengths and speaks to their passions. I believe the future is bright here in Ferndale.
I am grateful to call Ferndale home both within the community and the district. Ferndale School District has all the ingredients to be one of the best systems around, and I welcome collectively working to design a tomorrow that is bolder than we have dared to dream. It was immediately clear to me when I started that here, in Ferndale, community is a verb, not a noun.
Let's Go Eagles!
Dr. Kristi Dominguez
Cabinet
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Kristi Dominguez
As the Superintendent, Dr. Kristi Dominguez sets the tone for Ferndale School District. She oversees one of Ferndale’s largest organizations, comprised of nearly 4,500 students and hundreds of staff members. Kristi also is the public face for Ferndale School District and is often found meeting with Ferndale residents and community groups, talking about the great projects occurring in their local schools.
Kristi joined FSD in 2022. Prior to serving our community, she served as the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning in the Bellingham School District. Kristi has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Western Washington University and a doctorate degree in education from the University of Washington.
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Mark Deebach
As the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Support Services, Mark Deebach assists the Superintendent in providing leadership and vision by implementing the operational, safety, and financial priorities of the school district. His day-to-day management efforts ensure that all district support departments maintain a safe, clean learning environment for staff, students and the community. Additionally, he oversees the district’s strategic fiscal policy and financial services including budget, accounting and payroll.
You will often find him at our latest construction sites, ensuring projects stay on time and on budget.
Mark joined FSD in 2005. Prior to joining our community, he served as a financial analyst for Tacoma Public Schools and a student and fiscal coordinator at the Capital Region ESD 113 in Tumwater. Mark has a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and master’s degree in business administration from Saint Martin's University.
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Celina Rodriguez
As the Executive Director of Communications at Ferndale School District, Celina Rodriguez oversees strategic communications and all aspects of internal and external communications, including publications, family notification system, the website and social media presence.
Celina joined FSD in 2021. She has a bachelor's degree in Public Relations from Central Washington University, and previously led communications at Mount Vernon School District. Celina previously served on the board for Washington Schools Public Relations Association as their Vice President of Marketing.
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Holly Graham
As the Executive Director of Finance at Ferndale School District, Holly Graham oversees Ferndale School District's accounting, budget and payroll, along with the district's annual audit process.
Holly joined FSD in 2015, serving for nine years as the Director of Accounting before rising to her current position. She has a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Western Washington University, and has also earned her Certified Public Accountant license. Before coming to Ferndale, Holly was an assistant state auditor for the Washington State's Auditor's Office.
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Kellie Larrabee
As one of the Executive Directors for Teaching and Learning, Kellie Larrabee oversees Ferndale School District’s early learning programs and supports elementary and middle schools. She ensures that Ferndale’s youngest learners receive a quality, equitable education, and that elementary-level staff have the tools they need to achieve that goal.
Kellie joined FSD in 2005. She previously served as the principal of Cascadia Elementary School. Kellie has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a master’s degree in education from Ball State University.
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Trina Hall
As one of the Executive Directors for Teaching and Learning, Trina Hall oversees Ferndale School District’s special education programs. She ensures that every student in Ferndale School District receives an equal opportunity to learn, regardless of their mental or physical abilities.
Trina, a Ferndale High School graduate, joined FSD in 2022. Prior to joining our community, she served as the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Bellingham School District, as well as an administrator and elementary teacher in the Mount Baker School District. Trina has a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Washington University and a master’s degree in education from City University.