Superintendent Kourtney Ferrua, D.Ed.

Dr. Kourtney Ferrua serves as Superintendent of McMinnville School District, bringing nearly two decades of experience in our district as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and district-level instructional leader. A McMinnville High School graduate, she attended McMinnville schools from kindergarten through graduation. Years later, her own children did the same. For Dr. Ferrua, leading McMinnville schools is both a professional responsibility and a deeply personal commitment to the community that helped shape her.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ferrua has been guided by a relentless belief in every student’s capacity to learn and succeed. She is known for combining high expectations with a strong focus on belonging, relationships, research-based instruction, and the use of data to improve outcomes for students. As principal of Wascher Elementary School, she helped lead significant gains in student achievement while building a caring, welcoming, and equitable school culture.

Dr. Ferrua was named the 2019 Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year and was recognized as a National Distinguished Principal. She is also a national presenter, educational consultant, and co-author of PrincipalED: Navigating the Leadership Learning Curve, a book focused on the challenges and opportunities of school leadership.

Her leadership extends beyond McMinnville schools. Dr. Ferrua has served with organizations supporting children, families, and education throughout Yamhill County and Oregon, including the Yamhill County Early Learning Council, Head Start, Juliette’s House, the Family Wellbeing Council, the Oregon Elementary Principals Association, and Oregon ASCD/NW Teaching, Learning & Leading Network.

Dr. Ferrua earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco, her master’s degree from the University of Portland, and her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Oregon.