Board Decision is effective immediately
(Spanish) Dr. Kourtney Ferrua was named superintendent of the McMinnville School District last night during the December 8 school board meeting, effective immediately. She had served as interim superintendent since July 1, 2025.
“Our district is home to me in every sense of the word. I am honored and humbled to continue to serve our students and families in McMinnville and Lafayette,” said Ferrua. “I stand alongside an exceptional team of educators, staff, and administrators who change lives every day through their commitment and relentless belief in our children’s ability to succeed. I am excited about the future and the work we will do together on behalf of our students.”
School Board chair Larry Vollmer said, “Experiencing her ability to lead this district through difficult times has given the board confidence that she will take us beyond imagination. The fact that she is a McMinnville native with considerable ties to this community and district solidifies that belief. We look forward to great things to come.”
Ferrua was named interim superintendent in June, after the sudden departure of the previous superintendent in April. The district hired a search firm to manage the hiring process with the option of conducting a more robust search during the 2025-26 school year.
The national search for the interim superintendent position began last May with surveys that netted nearly 400 replies from staff, family and community members. Among other questions, the survey asked what qualities, skills and characteristics the new superintendent would need to be successful in this district. The search began quickly and yielded 26 highly qualified candidates. The three finalists were interviewed in a day-long vetting process by committees of staff, families and community members. After that process, Ferrua was unanimously selected by the board to serve as interim superintendent.
The board was divided on whether to go through a full, months-long search process or use Ferrua’s performance during the nearly six months of her interim service to make the permanent appointment. Approximately 40 emails were sent to the board members and nine people testified in person at the meeting. Ultimately the board voted unanimously to appoint Ferrua as superintendent and made plans to meet in January to set the terms of a three-year contract.
Click here to watch the board meeting and find more details about Dr. Ferrua here.
December 9, 2025