Board of Education

As trustees of the Ferndale School District, we are responsible for setting educational policies consistent with state and federal laws governing public education. As representatives of the electorate, we attempt to provide programs designed to meet the educational objectives of the community. In addition, we are responsible for the district’s resources. We also serve as a board of appeals. Individually and as a board, we work as concerned citizens for the improvement of public schools.

A quorum of four board members is needed to conduct official business. The Superintendent and administrative staff are present at board meetings to provide reports and background information.

Minutes are recorded at every meeting. Minutes from recent meetings are available at each meeting. Proposed minutes are available for public inspection within eight business days after the meeting. Approved minutes are available within five days after the meeting in which the Board approves them. Meeting agendas are posted 24 hours before a scheduled Board meeting on the Meeting Schedule page.

2024-2025 Board of Education Schedules

Current Board Members

Board Policies & Bylaws 

An electronic version of the Ferndale Board of Education Policies is available by clicking on the link below. Updates will be posted on this website as they become available.

All policies posted are current.

President - Sandra N. Dukhie

President - Sandra N. Dukhie

Sandra Dukhie was appointed to the Board of Education in March 2017 and was elected to a second term in November 2022; her term expires in December 2026.

Sandra is a passionate advocate for educational equity, with over 20 years of experience serving students across Oakland and Wayne Counties. She has held a variety of roles in education, including lunch mom, media paraprofessional, secretary, supervisor, and her current position as Executive Director of Student Information Systems and Pupil Accounting.

A proud Ferndale Eagle, Sandra is the daughter of a Ferndale High School graduate from the Class of 1972, an FHS graduate herself from the Class of 1993, and the parent of five FHS graduates. Sandra’s deep connection to the Ferndale community drives her commitment to ensuring success for every student in the district.

Email: sandra.dukhie@ferndaleschools.org

Vice President - Lisa Kaiser

Vice President - Lisa Kaiser

Lisa Kaiser was elected to the Board of Education in November 2024; her term expires in December 2028.

Lisa brings over 20 years of experience as an educator in the public school system. She studied Secondary Education at Western Michigan University and earned a master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on Emotional Impairment from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

A Ferndale resident for nearly 20 years, Lisa is proud and excited to serve the community as a member of the school board. She is passionate about creating schools that celebrate diversity as a strength and believes every child deserves an educational experience that honors and nurtures their whole selves.

Email: lisa.kaiser@ferndaleschools.org

Secretary - Jonathan Turner

Secretary - Jonathan Turner

Jonathan Turner was appointed to serve the remainder of a vacated term ending December 31, 2022. He was re-elected in November 2022; his term expires December 2026.

Jonathan Turner was appointed in August 2021. Jonathan would like to bridge the gap between the students the district serves and the administration by bringing more students to the conversation while empowering them to self-advocate. He graduated from Ferndale High School in 2017. His family has attended Ferndale schools dating dating back to 1929 when his great-great-grandfather moved his family north from Kentucky to Michigan. Jonathan is currently studying social work at Oakland Community College.

Email: jonathan.turner@ferndaleschools.org

Treasurer - Jackie Hart

Treasurer - Jackie Hart

Jackie Hart was appointed to the board in January 2016 and was elected in 2016 and 2022; her term expires in December 2026.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and works in communications at a software and technology company. She has served on various committees in the district, including the Ferndale Education Foundation and several Board, fine arts, and PTA/ PTSA committees. She has also served as President of the Board of Education during her tenure, as well as Vice President and Secretary. Jackie and her husband have two children who have graduated from Ferndale Public Schools.

Email: jackie.hart@ferndaleschools.org

Trustees - David Crumrine

Trustee - David Crumrine

David Crumrine was elected to the Board of Education in November 2024; his term expires in December 2028.

A proud Ferndale High School graduate, Class of 1982, David and his wife have two children—a current 11th grader at Ferndale High School and a 2020 FHS graduate. For over 20 years, David has been actively involved with the district, serving on various committees, including the Elementary PTA and the District Strategic Plan, and volunteering for five years as a “Pit Dad” with the Ferndale Marching Band.

Professionally, David has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, with a strong focus on Cybersecurity and Compliance in recent years. He is passionate about supporting Ferndale Public Schools and is committed to ensuring that every student has the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

Email: david.crumrine@ferndaleschools.org

Mark de la Vergne

Trustee - Mark de la Vergne

Mark de la Vergne was appointed to the Ferndale Board of Education in December 2024; his term expires in December 2026.

A resident of Pleasant Ridge since 2017, Mark is an engaged community member who also serves on the Pleasant Ridge Planning Commission. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania and works professionally in the field of economic policy.

Mark and his wife are proud Ferndale Public Schools parents, with one child currently attending the district. Mark is dedicated to fostering educational excellence and supporting policies that benefit all students and families within the community.

Email: mark.delavergne@ferndaleschools.org

Trustees - Erin Molnar

Trustee - Erin Molnar

Erin Molnar was elected to the Ferndale Board of Education in November 2024; her term expires in December 2028.

A proud Ferndale resident since 2012, Erin holds a BA from the University of Michigan and works as a people leader in marketing and technology. She has two children enrolled in Ferndale Public Schools and has shown unwavering dedication to the community through her service as chair of the Parks & Recreation Commission, a member of the DDA Board, the Ferndale Master Plan Committee, the Kulick Center Task Force, and as a foster parent.

Erin is passionate about meeting people where they are and providing the necessary supports to help them succeed. Known for her pragmatic and collaborative approach to problem-solving, she is committed to creating the best outcomes for students. As a school board member, Erin aims to advocate for transparency and build trust through open and effective communication with the community.

Email: erin.molnar@ferndaleschools.org

Learn about the School Board Committees

The Ferndale Schools Board of Education meets regularly as a "Committee of the Whole" to discuss district business. The Board believes in active participation of the community within the school district and encourages citizens to attend these meetings.

The Committee of the Whole discusses district business from the following subject areas:

Areas of Focus

Governance

These discussions advise the board regarding policy, personal, board operations and structure. 

Achievement

This topic provides direction to the board regarding the district’s educational priorities and goals. Programs and materials to achieve goals are reviewed, with recommendations then being made.

Sustainability  

These discussions provide direction and oversight for the district's asset management and planning. It monitors budget reports, reviews facilities and site utilization, and provided input on both financial and facilities planning.

Marketing /Communications 

These discussions provide advice to the communications department regarding public relations and district communications.