New Dublin Unified School District Superintendent Starts Work
DUBLIN, CA — Daniel Moirao has been chosen to lead the Dublin Unified School District in the interim as it searches for a new, long-term superintendent.
The Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees approved Moirao's appointment as acting superintendent at its Tuesday night meeting, the district said in a news release. He will oversee 12,500 students across 12 campuses.
“Under the best of circumstances, transitioning from one school year to the next is a challenge, but we all know these are not the best of circumstances," Moirao said in a news release from the district. "COVID-19 has districts across the country working at full speed on plans to open the 2020-21 school year. To do so during a leadership transition is a challenge, but I’m confident that it’s a challenge our staff, community, and students will overcome."
Moirao served as DUSD interim assistant superintendent of educational services in the fall of 2018 and has been in the educational field for 30 years, the district said.
He has served as state administrator for South Monterey County Joint Union High School District, an adjunct faculty professor for the University of Southern California and St. Mary's College of California, and held other roles in Northern California, the district said. He also founded program Dr. Dan Presents in 2008 to promote educational equity.
Moirao received a doctorate degree in planning, policy and administration from USC.
Board President Dan Cherrier extolled his qualifications and said is is well-positioned to serve the district in the news release.
Moirao's contract was approved Tuesday night. He started Wednesday and will earn $1,300 per day. His contract does not include health benefits, paid vacation or paid holidays.
Moirao's hiring comes on the heels of the departure of Superintendent Dave Marken, whose term technically ends in August, though he has stepped down.
Marken came out of retirement last year to serve as superintendent during a tumultuous time with numerous vacancies, following the departure of former Superintendent Leslie Boozer. He was beloved by district staff and teachers.
His term was slated to end in 2021, but he abruptly resigned during a Board of Trustees meeting last month, saying, "If you find yourself in a situation where your bosses don't trust you and you don't trust your boss, you should no longer work for your boss anymore."
DUSD Board President Dan Cherrier said of Marken's tenure after the meeting,"It's been a lot of good with a few things that there's been some level of disagreement about."
Read more: Dublin Schools Chief Resignation Spurs Community Outcry
Marken initially agreed to serve DUSD in a part-time capacity. A search for a permanent superintendent began last year, but was put on hold, Cherrier previously said.
Hazard Young Attea Associates was approved for the search in April 2019 and continue with the input it's already received from the schools community, the district said. A new leader should be identified by spring of 2021.
Marken will be available to Moirao for consultation.
See Moirao's contract here.
This article originally appeared on the Dublin Patch
