Ferndale School District Superintendent Christy Dominguez received the Washington School Public Relations Association's 2024 Crystal Apple Award, which is given to someone who has enhanced public relations or perceptions of a school district.
Her “belief in the power of communications” and community involvement has led to an improvement in the district’s culture, a district press release said.
Her community interactions were extensive. She visited every classroom, department and building during her first 100 days in office to meet as many people as possible within the district. She liaises with community members, from parents to leaders, to hear their concerns and what can be improved with the goal of building trust.
The “You Belong” campaign was launched after a survey revealed the lack of belonging felt by many students and staff within the district, according to the release. Over the past two years, it has included a social media campaign, employee recognition awards, and in-person interactions.
Dominguez is in her second year as superintendent and takes over the position after 29 years with Bellingham Public Schools, where she held a variety of roles from kindergarten teacher to administration. She was instrumental in launching the Transition to Kindergarten Program, a pre-K program that was codified into law last year.
Greg Baker, superintendent of Bellingham Public Schools, previously won the award in 2014.
This story was updated at 10:31pm on March 6, 2024 to correct the spelling of the award winner's name in the headline. Cascadia Daily News regrets this error.
Hailey Hoffman is a visual journalist at CDN. Contact her at haileyhoffman@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 103.
