Ferndale Public Schools superintendent to resign at end of year

FERNDALE — Ferndale Public Schools announced that Superintendent Bobbie Hayes Goodrum will be stepping down at the end of the year.

In a letter to the community on Oct. 20, Board of Education President Sandra Dukhie stated that Goodrum made the “difficult decision” to resign as superintendent. Her last day will be on Dec. 31.

“We want to express our gratitude to Dr. Goodrum for her service to the district and wish her well,” Dukhie stated.

Goodrum was hired as superintendent last year. She previously worked for Farmington Public Schools.

Goodrum could not be reached by press time for comment on her decision to resign.

Dukhie said the Board of Education is “actively engaged” in working on succession plans and that it’s committed to “maintaining strong leadership throughout this transition.”

“In the coming months, the Board of Education will initiate a comprehensive search process to identify the next Superintendent,” she stated.

“Your input as members of our community will be invaluable during this critical decision-making phase. More detailed information about the search process will be provided in the near future as we work to ensure transparency and community involvement,” Dukhie continued.

In a second letter to the community, Dukhie stated that the board would be appointing Assistant Superintendent Camille Hibbler as interim superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Operations Felicia Wright as deputy superintendent while the board works to fill the role permanently.

According to the newsletter, Hibbler has more than 15 years of experience in education, including 10 as a school administrator, and Wright has 20 years of experience in various administrative leadership positions.

“Classroom learning remains our first priority; and we thank all of our teachers, building administrators, and staff members who continue to provide the highest-quality education every day,” Dukhie stated. “We also thank all of our school families for your support and trust as we guide our school district through the next stage of growth and improvement.”

Beyond the statements in the newsletter, district officials declined to comment more on Goodrum’s resignation and the search process.