Appointed incumbent Trustee William Kuo is campaigning to earn an elected term for Dublin Unified School District Trustee Area 3 this November.

Kuo, who has served on the board since May 2021, said he hopes to continue his platform and champion key issues for Dublin schools such as equitable funding distribution, improving safety and the completion of Emerald High School.

According to his official election website, Kuo will be prioritizing improved school safety and financial responsibility. Citing needs for a "safe learning environment for students and faculty" and ensuring that "taxpayer money is thoughtfully allocated and well managed."

Kuo is being challenged by Dublin resident, school volunteer and real estate broker John Wu for the shortened term on the ballot, which runs until 2024.

Kuo has sat as DUSD Area 3's trustee since he was appointed by the rest of the board in May 2021 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his wife Catherine Kuo -- a sitting trustee who was killed after being struck by a car while volunteering at Fallon Middle School two months earlier. Wu was among two other applicants who sought the Area 3 position during the appointment process.

Another main reason Kuo has decided to pursue an election bid this fall is in remembrance of his late wife. His campaign said, "He is running for election to complete the remaining two years of her term and help ensure her legacy."

Like several other members of the board, Kuo is seeking the completion of the new Emerald High School. The candidate envisions the project be finalized within time and budget limits.

He has been a Dublin resident for over 20 years and currently works as a systems engineer. Kuo has almost two decades of experience in information technology.

"(My) tech background with a strong focus on analytical thinking has enabled me to look at budgets and allocations with the long-term goals in mind," Kuo said.

The Area 3 position up for election on Nov. 8 is a shortened term through 2024, to get Area 3 back on its regular four-year election cycle following the unexpected vacancy upon Catherine Kuo's death.

Voters can learn more about Kuo and his campaign at his website, kuo4dublinschools.com.