Letter to Community: Dublin Superintendent Says Goodbye

Dear Dublin Community,

I have had the wonderful opportunity to serve the Dublin community for the past 10 years and am especially proud to be a part of an amazing team of leaders who have worked especially hard to build our school district into what it is today, a highly sought after, strong organization focused on what really matters, student learning.

The Board of Trustees has led the way in putting the vision of the district into motion. That vision, every student, in every classroom, in every school, college and career ready is the hallmark of this incredible District. The Board’s commitment, dedication, and compassion for what matters is extraordinary and I am grateful for the opportunity of having served with them.

I will forever be proud to be a part of this district and the people who have created a shared vision of what we can accomplish together. A host of accomplishments that we have attained this past decade is a testament to our vision, mission, and core values.

The People

• Our students: elementary, middle school and high school. They are bright, hardworking, accomplished, and a delight to us all.
• Our teachers, support staff, and leaders, the professionals who serve our students every day. They are wonderful examples of what teaching and learning is all about.

The Work

• A focus on student learning – rising test scores – SBAC; SAT/ACT; graduates attending colleges all across the country; opportunities for students including academies in Engineering, Bio-Medical, Culinary Arts, Video-Production / Stage Craft; and others.
• Exceptional visual and performing arts programs that have truly come-of-age – K-12 Band and orchestra (including strings); choral music, and drama.
• Fiscal Stability – in the face of economic down-turn. The District remained solvent, expanded programs, and provided our employees with appropriate compensation packages, completing negotiations cycles throughout.

The Places

• Facilities that are the envy of the Tri-Valley. Thanks to a community that has shown extraordinary commitment to education in Dublin, we have completed more than 40 modernization projects including the rebuilding of DHS. We have three new schools with two more on the way (Jordan Ranch and Dublin Crossings) and the planning of a second high school taking shape.
• Our campuses are equipped by 21st-century technology, providing exceptional learning tools for all students and opportunities to improve teaching and learning every day.

The Partnerships

• A truly supportive community. Not only passing three GO Bond measures and two Parcel taxes in 12 years, but day-in and day-out support at every school in the district. Parent leaders in each PFC and SSC whose commitment, creativity and capacity for giving of themselves in support of students is second-to-none.
• Our community partners including: the City of Dublin, which sees the importance of working together for the greater good of the community. Dublin Partners In Education, an organization that consistently provides needed support at our schools. Special Olympics of Northern California, bringing the “games” to the Tri-Valley.

I will miss the work we have done together. I will miss being a part of the Dublin community. Most of all I will miss our students and the people that have made this journey so rewarding. It is time to explore new opportunities and most importantly to spend additional time with my family both here in Dublin and in Southern California.

It has been an honor to serve the Dublin community.

Best Regards,

Steve Hanke

Related:

• New Superintendent of Dublin Schools Appointed by School Board
  
• Dublin Unified School District Superintendent Retires After 10 Years
  

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