Office of the Superintendent

Dr. Maggie Fehrman

Dr. Fehrman is an exceptional and visionary servant leader, known for her strategic thinking and innovative approach. She has a proven track record of building strong relationships with all stakeholders, fostering trust and support through transparency, engagement, and open two-way communication. Driven by a deep commitment to equity, she works to ensure that ALL students, families, and staff feel welcome, included, and valued. 

“I believe the role of the superintendent is to create an environment where all the work in the district is centered on what is best for students and resourcing teachers as professionals so they can be highly effective educators.”Since joining Asheville City Schools in July 2023, Dr. Fehrman has focused on centering equity for all students. She has emphasized that every staff member shares responsibility for equitable outcomes, aiming to end disproportionate results in student achievement and discipline. Currently, she is leading the district in developing a five year strategic plan by engaging students, staff, families, community stakeholders and business partners. 

Dr. Fehrman has established recognition programs, such as the Clawsome Cougar Awards, to celebrate staff who exemplify the districts core values, including a sense of belonging, fostering high expectations, and demonstrating care for students and colleagues. She has also expanded the annual Educators of the Year Celebration to recognize outstanding contributions across a broader range of roles, including operations, student services, and school nutrition, ensuring that excellence throughout the entire district is celebrated and valued.

During the 2024-2025 school year, Dr. Fehrman led the district through an unprecedented natural disaster while continuing to stay focused on restoring trust and stability. She launched the Cougar Academy of Leadership and Learning (CALL) to diversity district leadership as well as established a Superintendent's Student Advisory Council ensuring that student voices are actively included in district decision-making. To foster open communication and gather feedback from families, she hosted "Muffins with Dr. Maggie" events at ever school, creating accessible opportunities for parents and guardians to engage directly with district leadership. Additionally, Dr. Fehrman organized district-wide staff events to strengthen a sense of belonging and build a more connected Cougar community. 

Prior to Asheville, she served as superintendent of City Schools of Decatur, Georgia, where she led the district to top state rankings in student performance, graduation rates, and college readiness. Before becoming superintendent in Decatur, Dr. Fehrman also served as assistant superintendent, executive director of schools, principal, assistant principal, and social studies teacher. 

Dr. Fehrman earned her bachelor's degrees in Anthropology and Secondary Education from Clarion University in 2000. She earned her Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees from Georgia State University in 2005 and 2007, focusing on educational leadership. In 2013, she went on to earn her doctorate in Educational Policy Studies at Georgia State University with a focus on Research, Measurements, and Statistics.

Raised on a dairy farm in Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Fehrman's upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community. She and her husband, Joel, share a passion for outdoor activities such as traveling, mountain biking, and hiking. Their family also includes three beloved pets: Caesar, Sandy, and Camo.