About me
Fern M.Y. Desjardins is a resident of St. Agatha. Fern had a 43-year career in PK-12 education as an elementary school teacher, principal, and Superintendent of Schools in the rural, small school system of MSAD 33. During her principalship, Dr. Levesque Elementary School was designated a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Fern is a life-long learner who holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Language Arts from UMaine, a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from USM, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from UMFK. She has taught graduate level courses for UMaine as an adjunct faculty member in their outreach programs in Aroostook County, served on UMFK’s Board of Visitors (one year as President and two as Vice President), Northern Maine Medical Center's (NMMC) Board of Trustees, and she has been an active member of numerous educational associations and committees. After her retirement, Fern worked as a facilitator for school systems and served on various committees and special projects of the Maine Department of Education. She was appointed to the State Board of Education in 2018 and to the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) Board of Directors in 2019 where she currently serves as secretary/treasurer. She volunteers at her local church, parish, and at the diocese level. Fern and her husband, Francis, have three grown children and four grandchildren.
