FERNDALE — Ferndale School District superintendent candidate John Parker fielded questions on plans to unify the geographically large school district, balance a budget and incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion at a Monday community forum at Horizon Middle School.
At a time when many in the Ferndale School District have become increasingly frustrated and at odds — like in many school districts across the country — the new superintendent will have to find ways to bridge the gaps.
Parker’s first step to mending the division: listening sessions.
“People can have a chance to voice some of the things that are on their mind,” Parker said. “Things that they’re struggling with. Things that would prevent us from improving student learning.”
Parker said while working for the Puyallup School District he hosted similar listening sessions with the goal of bringing in the community to support schools and their needs. It helped engage the community and made them more willing to pass bonds and levies to fund the schools. He hopes the sessions would have the same impact for Ferndale.
“The last couple of bond attempts and levy attempts have been brutal,” forum attendee Gary Dyck said to Cascadia Daily News. He wanted a clear answer about how Parker could help unify the district.
Parker also discussed his experience working with many large school budgets in his roles as a principal and as a Chief Academic Officer for Puyallup. Coming to manage Ferndale’s $80 million budget is something he believes he’s capable of. He also impressed his commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency with the community.
However, fiscal responsibility does not mean anti-activities. He strongly supports them and has seen his own five children thrive while participating in activities like choir and sports. He also believes they’re pivotal to student recovery, following two years of schools being upended by the pandemic.
“We need those co-curricular activities to balance the need to get back on track with academics, and reading, writing, mathematics and science,” Parker said.
He said he believes in providing opportunities for students and is impressed by the Career and Technical Education programs at Ferndale. He sees the programs as a way to bridge the gap between school and adult life while also engaging students in real-world relevant education.
The forum also touched on the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion and its incorporation in Ferndale schools.
Parker said he wants to make sure everyone feels included in the educational process. He also wants to learn first the history of the equity work that’s already been done and to talk with students and faculty so he can “operationalize” what equity looks like in the district.
Through the entire forum he repeated how Ferndale’s values align perfectly with his own.
“Ferndale is an incredible community, and not only do I want to be here, but I want to be here for a very long time,” Parker said.
Parker was the first of three superintendent candidates hosted at public forums. Dana Rosenbach’s forum will be held on March 23 and Karin “Kristi” Dominguez’s on March 24 at 6 p.m. at Horizon Middle School. Attendees have the opportunity to submit questions and give feedback on candidates.
The Ferndale School Board of Directors will announce their pick on March 25.
