Dublin Schools: New Superintendent Begins, Moirao Says Goodbye

DUBLIN, CA — Superintendent Chris Funk had his first day on the job Thursday as outgoing Interim Superintendent Daniel Moirao said goodbye to students.

Funk spent his first morning on the job meeting summer school students and staff.

"As your new Superintendent, I am aware of the challenges this district faces, but more importantly, the ability of its students, staff, and community to rise above these challenges and achieve greatness," he said in a letter to families and staff. "I recognize the significance of this role, and the trust you have placed in me, and am fully committed to improving the already exceptional DUSD experience."

Funk said his top priority will be providing a top-notch education for all students, regardless of their background.

"Without fail, this will be my focus every day, and I ask DUSD staff to commit to the same," he said. "As a community, we must unite to make this vision a reality."

Funk has started a ThoughtExchange forum for parents to offer suggestions about how to improve the district.

Funk will meet with the school board, school staff, parents and others in the coming 90 days, he said. Their feedback will play a role in his efforts to work toward a new strategic plan, which is slated for completion by the end of 2022.

The new superintendent built a 30-year career in public education and most recently served as schools chief of East Side Union High School District, in which position he oversaw 16 San Jose area high schools with a combined enrollment of 26,500 students, according to a statement from Dublin Unified School District.

More: South Bay Schools Chief Tapped To Run Dublin's School District

"I look forward to this journey, to being part of this community, and am eager to see what heights we can achieve together," he said.

Moirao bid adieu to Dublin families in a video posted to the school district's Facebook page. His departure comes a year after he joined the school district following the abrupt resignation of former Superintendent Dave Marken.

The past year was "a series of successes and a series of things that we never could've predicted would happen," he said. "I knew when I signed up that this was not going to be an easy task. There was no handbook on how to proceed and bring a school district through a pandemic."

But the grace and flexibility of Dublin families, staff, teachers and students helped the district make it through the year, he said. Moirao lauded the contributions and dogged commitment of staff at all levels.

Moirao acknowledged the grief shared among the community following a string of staff deaths, including that of trustee Catherine Kuo, 48, who was killed in a car crash while volunteering at Fallon Middle School. Her husband, William Kuo, was chosen to replace her.

And then there was the problem of how to pay for a slew of infrastructure upgrades and new construction projects.

Officials announced in February that the district was short at least $184 million for its highest-priority infrastructure projects, which delayed the opening date of the new Emerald High School by a year. The shortfall was attributed to issues such as widening project scopes, COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions and "human error," Moirao said at the time.

Nevertheless, the outgoing superintendent expressed optimism.

"I truly believe there is a path to solving that particular problem," he said. "I hope that we stay on that path for the benefit of our students."

As Dublin heads into the upcoming school year, Moirao said that students can look forward to a digital alternative learning program this fall, and the teachers union has agreed to a new contract.

Moirao said his decision to helm the school district was an easy one. The district was where so many loved ones, mentors and professional acquaintances had built their careers, including his wife and niece. His only regret, he said, was that he "didn't come a little sooner."

"But the time has come for me to return home," he said, adding that he plans to dedicate more time to family.

"I feel confident that Dublin is on the precipice of being even greater than it has been," Moirao said. "My greatest hope is that in some small way I made a difference for our students and for you, our staff, and for our community. To all of you, thank you and goodbye."