Goodrum unanimous choice as district’s next superintendent
Ferndale Schools next superintendent was chosen from two remaining finalists for the job during a board of education meeting Wednesday night.
Dr. Bobbie Hayes Goodrum, who currently works as the assistant superintendent of diversity, equity and inclusion for Farmington Public Schools, was selected in a unanimous vote by school board members.
Sandra Dukhie, Ferndale school board president, said Goodrum kept rising to the top of the list as board members considered a pool of applicants that came down to five candidates who were picked as finalists.
“It was (Goodrum’s) experience, knowledge and passion for celebrating the whole child,” Dukhie said.
Dukhie said the selection of Goodrum is going to continue the district’s work on its strategic plan and take it to the next level.
“It’s recognizing that students are there for more than just academics,” she said, adding that schools also have to engage in the social and emotional well-being of students as well. “For all school districts, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted those needs.”
Board members will now work with the search firm they hired to fill the superintendent’s position, Ray and Associates, to negotiate a contract with Goodrum.
“We’re looking to be leaders in education and we think Dr. Goodrum is the person to take us there.”
Goodrum has 23 years experience as an educator. She has been a teacher, special education supervisor, director of special education, principal, and an interim superintendent.
She has worked in school districts nationwide for school districts in Washington D.C., San Jose, Calif., Howell Public Schools and Detroit Community Public Schools.
According to information from Ferndale Schools, Goodrum’s main focus is to increase educational outcomes for all students in the 5,000-student district, and reduce opportunity gaps and barriers to student access.
She graduated from Renaissance High School in Detroit before getting her bachelor’s degree from Howard University, a special education degree from Eastern Michigan University, and a PhD from Oakland University.
Goodrum is married with a daughter in college and a son in high school.
A community activist, she also mentors many young men and women in high schools countywide.
In Ferndale she will replace Superintendent Dania Bazzi, who was hired in 2017.
In April, Bazzi was hired to be the superintendent for the West Bloomfield School District, but remained in Ferndale to finish out the school year.
In a statement last week, Bazzi said she was proud of the strategic plan she and school board members established in 2019, which guided policies on equity and school improvements.
“A piece of my heart will always belong to this community,” Bazzi said. “I know the district will continue to accomplish great things on behalf of our students, and I look forward to admiring it from afar.”
Bazzi, who has a PhD, this year was honored with the Michigan 2022 Superintendent of the Year award winner by the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators.
“We’re gonna miss her,” Dukhie said.