Dear Duarte Unified Staff, Families, and Community,
It is with great excitement and gratitude that I join the Duarte Unified School District as your new Superintendent! From my first interactions with students, staff, and families, it is clear that Duarte Unified is a district grounded in heart, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to students. I am honored to begin this journey with you.
On my very first day, I want to acknowledge an important matter currently facing our district, the ongoing negotiations with the Duarte Unified Education Association (DUEA). These negotiations are critical to supporting our educators and maintaining stability for our schools, and I want our community to know they are a top priority for me as I step into this role.
We are currently in the mediation phase of the state-guided impasse process. While mediation is confidential, I can share that the process has been positive, productive, and collaborative. I appreciate the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by both bargaining teams, and I am encouraged by the meaningful progress being made toward a resolution that supports our students and values our employees.
Throughout this process, the District remains committed to:
- Supporting our teachers and staff, whose work is fundamental to student success.
- Reaching a fair, sustainable agreement that recognizes employees while safeguarding the long-term financial health of the District, especially during a time of fiscal challenge due to declining enrollment.
- Maintaining transparency regarding procedures and next steps whenever information can be shared.
I recognize the uncertainty that impasse can create, and I want to assure you that our focus is on strengthening trust, collaboration, and communication across the district. I will continue to update the community as this process unfolds. Duarte Unified has tremendous strengths, and together we will continue building on the progress already underway to ensure stability for our students, families, and employees.
Thank you for your warm welcome and for your continued commitment to our schools. I am genuinely excited to work alongside all of you as we move forward together.