Tri-Valley Residents Shocked After Death of DUSD Board Trustee

article written by, Kanchan Naik, a news team contributor

Residents of the Tri-Valley came together to honor Catherine Kuo after her tragic passing in an automobile accident at Fallon Middle School. Ms. Kuo (48 years old) was a board trustee for the Dublin Unified School District, and was highly involved in DUSD’s volunteer programs. In fact, she unfortunately passed away while distributing go-to lunches at an event hosted by the district.

Ms. Kuo and her husband were residents of Dublin for the past 21 years, and were beloved by the rest of their community. She worked tirelessly to make education at DUSD accessible and enjoyable for all, as she was also a member of Dublin’s Superintendent’s Council and Second High School Input Committee and the Dougherty Parent Faculty Club. Not only did she support Dublin’s schools, but she also used her position to promote diversity and inclusion. Amid the troubling rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans in the United States, Ms. Kuo, a second-generation immigrant of South Korean descent herself, released a statement condemning anti-Asian bigotry and encouraging solidarity in the Tri-Valley.

“It is so hard to put into words what I am feeling as I watch news stories about the rise in AAPI hate crimes,” said Ms. Kuo. “..To all my non-Asian friends, you can support us, show up for us, amplify our voices, and take this seriously. Because it is very serious, it is a matter of life and death for us.”

Ms. Kuo’s death has left Tri-Valley residents shocked and grief-stricken. Facebook and local social media platforms have been flooded with messages of sadness and condolences for Ms. Kuo’s husband and two children.

“How incredibly heartbreaking and tragic,” said Pleasanton resident Denise Williams on a Facebook thread dedicated to Ms. Kuo. “May her family and loved ones have support during this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of Tri-Valley locals attended a candlelight vigil last Sunday, where close friends and family gave speeches to honor her memory. From her commitment to improving DUSD to her difficult battle with cancer, these stories highlighted Ms. Kuo’s resilience and loyalty towards the community. In the wake of her tragic death, hopefully Tri-Valley residents can contribute to the beautiful movements she was a part of, and finish what she started.

“I am overwhelmed to see this outpouring of love and support and I know Catherine would love every single second of this,” said Angela Lee, Ms. Kuo’s sister. “She absolutely seemed to be the guardian angel of Dublin city.”