Dear Sunnyvale School District Families,
I notified the Board of Education of my plans to retire at the end of this school year after 36 years of service to the students of Santa Clara County, including 16 years in Sunnyvale and the last five as Superintendent.
As I prepare to step away, I am more convinced than ever of the potential of Sunnyvale School District because of the rare combination of the engagement of our families, community support, outstanding, committed employees, and a clear, shared vision for equity and inclusion. The teachers, staff, Board, and families of this District are uniquely unified in our commitment to the Sunnyvale Promise, and it has been an honor to work alongside you in serving our students in this pursuit. In that spirit, I will work closely with the Board and the new Superintendent to ensure a smooth transition.
In the last five years spanning COVID and the years following, I could not be more proud to have served alongside Sunnyvale’s families, staff, students, and community to accomplish so much, including:
- Navigating a historic pandemic, emerging stronger and “Together as One.”
- Developing and implementing the District’s first comprehensive strategic plan in many years, grounded in “The Sunnyvale Promise.”
- Implementing new curricula and data systems designed to meet the needs of all students, especially those we have been least successful serving.
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan.
- Passing a $214 million school bond and renewing our parcel tax, demonstrates the strong trust our community has in us.
- Building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships with our employee groups.
- Pursuing innovative efforts to support teacher and employee resilience and student social-emotional well-being.
- Championing equity and full inclusion for all students.
- Strengthening our exceptional staff and leadership teams through increasing attention to diversity.
My entire career has been dedicated to the students and families of Santa Clara County, my lifelong home. From my beginnings as a teacher, baseball coach, and advisor at Andrew Hill High School, through my experiences as an Associate Principal, Middle School Principal, and in Human Resources, I have always considered myself a teacher first and foremost. I am deeply grateful for the students, families, and colleagues who have enriched my journey.
The Board of Education will review proposals from superintendent search firms at a Special Board Meeting on February 25, 2025. The selected search firm will outline the process for hiring a new Superintendent including opportunities for student, family, community, and staff input. We will be sure to share updates as we receive more information.
With Appreciation and Gratitude,
Michael Gallagher, Ed.D.
Superintendent
