FERNDALE, Mich. — Ferndale High School alumna Sandra Dukhie, class of 1993, is the latest graduate featured in Ferndale Public Schools’ Alumni Spotlight series, which celebrates the careers and community impact of Ferndale Eagles.
Dukhie has spent more than 25 years in public education. She is executive director of student information systems and pupil accounting at Wayne RESA, the Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency, after a career that took her from supporting students and educators directly to executive leadership.
She has served on the Ferndale Public Schools Board of Education since 2017, including more than four years as board president.
Dukhie has presented at state and national conferences hosted by the National School Boards Association, the Michigan Association of School Boards, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, the Association of Educational Service Agencies, the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators and the Council of Urban Boards of Education. Her sessions have covered school governance, organizational change, unconscious bias, women’s leadership and navigating challenging conversations.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in writing and rhetoric from Oakland University and lives in Ferndale.
“Ferndale Public Schools did more than educate me; it helped shape the foundation of who I am, how I lead and why I serve,” Dukhie said.
Growing up in Ferndale, Dukhie said, she was surrounded by educators and a community that challenged her to think beyond her circumstances, discover her voice, and recognize her potential. She said some of her most meaningful lessons came from educators who saw something in her before she could fully see it in herself.
“Ferndale gave me roots strong enough to ground me and wings bold enough to pursue possibilities beyond what I could imagine at the time,” Dukhie said. “As an Eagle, I learned that soaring to new heights means never forgetting the nest that helped you learn to fly.”
“Sandra’s story comes full circle in the best way. The district that helped her find her voice is now a district she helps lead,” Superintendent Camille Hibbler said. “She shows our students that the lessons they learn here can take them anywhere, including right back home.”
The Alumni Spotlight series highlights Ferndale High School and University High School graduates who are making a difference as entrepreneurs, educators, artists, health care professionals, public servants, military members and community leaders. Alumni can share their own story or nominate a fellow graduate on the website.
About Ferndale Public Schools
Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.
To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.