Dublin Schools: Late Trustee's Husband Tapped To Fill Her Seat

DUBLIN, CA — William Kuo, husband of late school trustee Catherine Kuo, was approved to replace his wife representing Area 3 on the Dublin Unified School District board of trustees.

The board's unanimous decision came in a special meeting Tuesday night, two months after the death of Catherine Kuo, 48. She was volunteering at a Fallon Middle School food distribution event on campus when she was hit by a car.

William Kuo, an information technology system administrator, was one of three candidates vying for the seat that primarily serves southwest Dublin. John Wu, a real estate broker, and Taji Brown, who works for Oakland's school district, were also in the running.

But Brown later said in closing remarks that he supported the selection of William Kuo following an outpouring of public support for him. "Legacy and community should always be heard," Brown said.

Community support affected the trustees' decision as well, they said. Public comment during the meeting overwhelmingly supported William Kuo, and board members recently received many emails advocating for him, they said.

William Kuo decided to seek the Area 3 seat soon after his wife's death only after much deliberation, he said.

"I witnessed [Catherine's] passion and her dedication to her students and the well-being of this school district for the last two years," he told the board before trustees began deliberations. "Her impact on me was profound. I share her same passion to serve."

William Kuo has two children in Dublin schools. He reflected on his experience immigrating to the United States at the age of 10 and the teachers who helped him along on his journey.

"I am forever indebted to the public school system," he said.

In the weeks after Catherine Kuo's death, board members remembered her drive to understand the views of people on opposing sides of an issue and to seek compromise.

Trustee Gabi Blackman believed William Kuo will also bring a logical analysis to discussions and bring a balance to the board, she said.

"In you, William, I see a lot of Catherine," she said.

More from Dublin Patch:

• Catherine Kuo Vigil: 'Local Superhero,' Loving Mom And Wife
• Dublin Mourns School District Trustee Killed In Campus Crash
• DUSD Officials Honor Catherine Kuo: 'She Would Always Be There'