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Superintendent
Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community,
As I reflect on completing my fourth year as Superintendent of the Ferndale School District, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this incredible community. Every day I am reminded that what makes Ferndale special is not simply our schools, but the people who choose to invest in one another and in the future of our children.
Over the past four years, we have worked together to build a strong foundation for the future. Through the voices of more than 1,800 students, staff, families, and community members, we developed our district's first long term Strategic Plan in more than two decades. That plan serves as our roadmap, guiding every decision through four priorities: Safety and Belonging, Early Learning, Mastery of Standards, and Future Ready graduates.
Together, we have expanded early learning opportunities, strengthened academic systems, deepened our partnership with the Lummi Nation, and created programs that intentionally build belonging while centering student voice. From Latinos in Action and our Native American education programs to expanded leadership opportunities and student advisory groups, we are committed to ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and valued. We know students thrive when they know they belong.
We have also taken bold steps to create learning environments where students can fully engage. Our bell to bell cell phone policy has transformed classrooms by increasing student engagement, strengthening relationships, and reducing distractions. By removing barriers to learning, we have created more opportunities for students to connect with one another, engage with their teachers, and focus on learning.
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the progress we have made in creating schools where students feel they belong. Our districtwide belonging data has more than doubled over the past two years. While there is still important work ahead, this reflects the intentional efforts of our staff to build schools where every student feels safe, welcomed, connected, and inspired to reach their highest potential.
While we celebrate this progress, we know our work is far from finished. We remain unwavering in our commitment to providing safe, welcoming schools while continuously improving student outcomes. We believe every child deserves both a caring environment and an exceptional education. Culture and achievement are not competing priorities. In fact, one makes the other possible.
One of my favorite beliefs has always been, "If you teach to the heart of a child, their mind will follow." That philosophy continues to guide our work every day. We know meaningful learning happens when students feel connected, supported, challenged, and inspired.
Whether you are exploring Ferndale School District for the first time, are new to our community, or have called Ferndale home for generations, thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are creating schools where every student belongs, every student learns, and every student graduates prepared to pursue their dreams and make a positive difference in the world.
The future of Ferndale is bright because of the people who make up this remarkable community. I am honored to serve alongside our students, families, staff, Board of Directors, community partners, and the many volunteers who believe in the promise of public education. Together, we will continue creating the conditions where every student can thrive.
#YouBelong #BetterTogether #OneTeamOneTown #BeAMarigold #BelievetoAchieve
Dr. Kristi Dominguez
Superintendent
Ferndale School District
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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Kristin Newberry
As the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board, Kristin Newberry provides high-level administrative and organizational support to the Superintendent while serving as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors. This role coordinates School Board meetings, prepares agendas and official records, manages the Superintendent's calendar and communications, ensures compliance with public meeting requirements, and supports district leadership with a wide range of confidential and complex administrative responsibilities. Through exceptional organization, communication, and attention to detail, the Executive Assistant helps ensure the efficient operation of the Superintendent's Office.
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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.