Back to School: Dublin School Officials Share Their Hopes for Upcoming School Year

The new school year began for Dublin Unified students on Wednesday, the start of what district leaders hope is an extraordinary year in the fast-growing district. Dublin Schools open with their highest enrollment numbers ever, more than 9,000 students attending classes in the district’s 10 campuses.

Rapid growth has filled classrooms to capacity and caused some new families to move from their neighborhood schools to sites with more space, but there’s no question about the district’s commitment to students’ academic success.The influx of students has allowed Dublin to add classes and academies at the secondary levels, and increased the district’s ability to offer STEM educational opportunities at all levels and lift academic performance with interventions.Superintendent Stephen Hanke, speaking to staff on Monday at the annual staff breakfast, challenged the teachers and classified employees gathered in Dublin High’s sparkling new Performing Arts and Education Center to “make an uncommon commitment” to student success.

“We are Dublin Schools,” Hanke said. “And we have established a culture that is built to last.”

Dublin’s five-member Board of Trustees weighed on their hopes for the new school year, answering the question, “What would you like to see most in Dublin Unified in 2014-15?”

Board President Sean Kenney: “Expansion of “access” to our students. The means expanding opportunities for online classes, before (zero period) and after school (seventh period) classes and more pathways/career oriented options. These programs keep our students engaged in school which is always the goal.”

Board Vice President Amy Miller: “There are many reasons to look forward to this upcoming school year. I am particularly excited about the Freshman Mentoring Program and the implementation of the Learning Center at Dublin High. I know we’re moving in the right direction for our students to be successful. I am also looking forward to seeing our Performing Arts Center being utilized and the beginning of our Health Sciences Medical Academy. I couldn’t be happier that we’ve increased the counseling ratios at elementary and secondary schools. Although there are what seems to be an inordinate amount of changes this year with Common Core, LCFF, Intervention, etc., it feels good knowing our district is doing everything it can to meet the needs of all our students.”

Trustee Dan Cunningham: “I would like to see the continuous emphasis on our students being successful in all areas but in particular in math. I’m looking forward to seeing how the collaboration will have a positive impact on our student performance.”

Trustee Megan Rouse: “I would like to see us strengthen our approach to learning that values every student. We must provide a high level of academic rigor as well as strong support systems for all grades, offer broad opportunities across interests including advanced classes, vocational electives, leadership, sports, visual and performing arts, and extra curricular activities.

Trustee Greg Tomlinson: ”I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve the effectiveness of education and I hope this year we seriously evaluate starting the school year earlier like they’re doing in Pleasanton.”

—Information submitted by Dublin Unified School District