Ferndale School District: A Message To Ferndale Staff And Community

Press release from Ferndale School District:

March 4, 2021

Dear Ferndale Staff and Community,

After 47 years in education, 12 of them as superintendent of the Ferndale School District, I want to let you know that I have informed the School Board of my intent to retire this coming summer (2021).

Although I know it’s time, this has not been an easy decision for me. I love our profession. I love serving students and families. I love this community. And I REALLY love the amazing team of people with whom I have had the privilege of working.

When I walked into my first high school English classroom at Puyallup High School in the fall of 1974, I thought teaching was something I would do for a few years until I could pursue my real passions. I had no idea the degree to which I would find my passion in this profession. I had no intention of becoming a principal or certainly not a superintendent. But, as I have always told my own two children, if you love what you do and you keep saying yes to invitations to do more of it, opportunities present themselves.

What a rare and wonderful opportunity it has been to provide leadership in the Ferndale School District for the past dozen years! During that time, we have navigated a variety of challenges, both large and small. When I arrived in 2009, we were figuring out how to deal with a devastating recession and significant budget shortfall. This past year, we have faced challenges that have at times seemed insurmountable, and yet we have carried on. There have been hard times and bad days, to be sure, but they have been far outnumbered by the days filled with hope and joy and a sense of accomplishment. I will be forever grateful that I have been allowed to serve as your superintendent.

Now, after 47 straight years with only two six-week breaks to have babies, I am going to see what it’s like to go grocery shopping in the middle of the day on a Tuesday, spend more than occasional weekends with my family, be the kind of grandma who can show up for a special occasion no matter when it occurs, take a vacation in October, clean out the barn, and reacquaint myself with lost hobbies. I know I will miss you terribly. But it is time.

The School Board is holding a meeting next Tuesday (March 9) to decide the next steps they will take in the process of finding a new superintendent.

I look forward to my continued work with them and with all of you as I complete the remaining months of my career in education.

All my best,

Linda 

This press release was produced by Ferndale School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.