Ferndale School District
We, the Ferndale School District, prepare each student to thrive in an ever-changing world by providing a rigorous education that fosters academic growth, nurtures confidence, and encourages critical thinking. Our commitment to high expectations ensures every learner achieves their full potential. We cultivate resilience and innovation in each student and foster a sense of belonging in a safe and inclusive environment that emphasizes caring and compassion, preparing students for their future.
Superintendent Message Collective Voices
Ferndale Community,
I am thrilled to present to you our school district’s strategic plan, a culmination of collaborative efforts and dedication from various contributors within our community. Built by the community, for the community document will serve as the guiding framework for our decision-making processes, steering us towards a shared vision, focused on enhancing student outcomes and fostering excellence in education for the next 6 years.
More than 1,800 educators, parents, students, board members, administrators, and community members contributed through listening sessions, surveys, focus groups, student-led conversations, and instructional planning teams. Their invaluable input shaped the priorities and goals of this plan, reflecting what makes Ferndale special.
As we begin this journey, may we stay dedicated to the principles and objectives outlined in our plan. Let’s continue to collaborate, celebrate, and strive for excellence, knowing our efforts are aimed at providing the best educational experience for our students and preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr. Kristi Dominguez
1,809
Total Number of Participants
1,568
236 Strategic Plan Team Members Survey Respondents Students Committee Team Members
1,098
80
5
District Foundations
Engaging and Effective Teaching and Learning Systems
Guarantee a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) for academic, behavioral, and social emotional learning needs to ensure learning for all
Implement high-leverage instructional practices utilizing the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, inclusionary practices, and culturally responsive teaching
Ensure high quality professional development through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), intentionally collaborating to improve student outcomes
Establish a data rich culture utilizing standards-aligned assessment results to drive effective feedback for student learning
Authentic and Meaningful Engagement with Students, Family, and Community
Provide timely, clear, and accessible communication to students, staff, families, and the broader community to ensure everyone is informed and involved
Engage all families and community members through genuine communication and thoughtful outreach, focusing on sharing goals, tracking progress, and celebrating achievements
Break down barriers to engagement for families and community
Ensure language access for students and families to support connection and academic success
Advancing Excellence: Strategic Operations and Resource Management
Prioritize physical and emotional school safety Implement effective and efficient systems to streamline and support district operations
Proactively maintain our facilities, serving as our third teacher, at a high standard through preventative measures, while enhancing accessibility to ensure inclusive opportunities for all
Commit to utilizing the state-of-the-art kitchen at our new high school to enhance quality and nutrition in our schools, including scratch cooking options
Dynamic
Systems for Hiring and Retention
Build and maintain systems to attract, support and retain a high-quality workforce reflective of the diversity of our community.
Utilize data points to assess staff satisfaction and improve systems that support personnel.
Refine evaluation processes to provide feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Build system capacity to continuously improve skills and knowledge through intentional onboarding and ongoing professional development.
Student Experience
“I am a learner”
I work hard and I don’t give up. I learn challenging content with choice and flexibility. I can tell you what I am learning and why it’s relevant.
“I am seen and loved”
In my school environment I feel safe and know I belong.
I know the adults in my school care about me and believe in me.
“I matter and so does everyone
I can be myself when I am at school and feel seen and heard for who I am I uplift people of all cultures, abilities, and backgrounds.
Core Values / Beliefs
Belonging & Inclusion:
Built on the principle of belonging, we believe in the boundless potential of our students. We are committed to ensuring that every individual is not only welcomed and included but also valued, respected, and provided with a seat at the table, honoring their unique capabilities, creating an environment where everyone thrives as their authentic selves.
Academics & Excellence:
Centered around growth and continual improvement, we embrace learner variability, remove barriers, and create inclusive environments. We ensure all children have access to meet rigorous and relevant standards to be future ready. Continuous improvement drives our commitment to learn and grow so we meet the needs of each student.
Community:
Through our shared and unwavering commitment to our students, we place them at the heart of all our collective endeavors. We’re dedicated to ensuring our students’ safety and success, working hand in hand with families, agencies, and others to support each child in reaching their full potential.
Profile of a Graduate
Academically Strong
Uses culturally and politically relevant scientific concepts to navigate everyday problems.
Adapts to change in technology and society. Possesses the critical thinking skills to analyze data from multiple sources and process it into an informative opinion and solve complex problems.
Comprehends and crafts written and oral communication effectively.
Future Focused
Civic-Minded Community Leader
Develops understanding of community and seeks ways to be inclusive.
Demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives.
Participates in school and community events. Honors and values all cultures
Workplace Ready
Encourages upward movement and creates a learning rich environment.
Goals, Outcomes, Performance Targets
Goals Outcomes Performance Targets
by 2030
Safety & Belonging
Early Learning: Birth - Grade 3 1 2 3 4
Mastery of Standards Future Ready
Increase the number of students who feel safe, seen, heard, supported, and respected. Increase the number of students in class learning.
Increase the number of students who are demonstrating proficiency by the end of kindergarten.
Increase the number of students who are proficient in Reading, Writing, and Math by end of 3rd Grade
Increase the number of students meeting standards in all classes. Increase the number of students meeting proficient levels on state and district assessments.
We will increase Panorama climate/culture favorable survey results related to belonging from 3 out of 10 to 9 out of 10. We will increase attendance to 9 out of 10 students attending 90% or more school days each year.
We will increase the student target of 6 out of 6 domains in Gold by Teaching Strategies from 4 out of 10 students to 9 out of 10 students. We will increase 3rd grade SBAC results to 9 out of 10 students in reading and 9 out of 10 in math We will be the top performing district among our ten comparable districts in WA. We will increase the number of students achieving proficiency in reading and math to 9 out of 10 on SBAC.
Increase the number of students who are on track for graduation upon entry to each grade level, 8-12.
Increase the amount of students who complete a college-ready transcript or CTE pathway. Increase graduation rates while decreasing disproportionality.
9 out of 10 of our ninth-grade students will have earned eight credits upon entering tenth grade. 10 of 10 students will complete a future- ready pathway. We will increase the number of graduating students in each demographic group to 9 out of 10.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: Ferndale School District will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment.
Title IX/Civil Rights and 504/ADA Compliance Coordinator Chris Cochran 360-982-9249
chris cochran@ferndalesd org