Board of Education Selects Chien Wu-Fernandez as Superintendent

The HUSD Board of Education has named Associate Superintendent Chien Wu-Fernandez as the district’s new superintendent. Trustees announced her appointment after a closed-session meeting on Wednesday.

The board voted 4-1 to approve the appointment on a motion made by Trustee Ken Rawdon and seconded by Board President Peter Bufete. 

The terms of the superintendent’s employment will be memorialized in an employment agreement that will be proposed and recommended at a regular school board meeting.

“The board made this decision after considerable deliberation,” Board President Bufete said. “The district is going through a challenging period. Experienced and stable leadership will be critical in moving the district forward. Mrs. Wu-Fernandez provides that leadership, and the board stands ready to support her.”

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity,’’ Wu-Fernandez said. “I have devoted my career to supporting students and families in Hayward. I look forward to working closely with the board, our community, and our talented staff to continue championing student success.”

Wu-Fernandez succeeds Dr. Jason Reimann. Dr. Reimann went on administrative leave on February 26 and resigned on March 3. His resignation takes effect on May 3, and he remains on leave until then. Wu-Fernandez has served as acting superintendent during his leave. 

Wu-Fernandez counts more than 28 years in public education, including as classroom tutor, counselor, site program administrator, and district administrator. Over the last 19 years, she has dedicated herself to serving the students and families in Hayward Unified in different leadership positions, including as Associate Superintendent of Student and Family Services.

She previously served as interim superintendent from July 2022 through June 2023 while the board conducted a superintendent search.

During her time in Hayward, she has focused her efforts on creating access to students and families and building structures to better serve our students. These efforts included the focus on social emotional learning, inclusive practices for our students with disabilities, expansion of after-school programs, the expansion of mental health supports, the development of our parent engagement strategies, and increased services for our newcomer students and families.

She received her undergraduate degree from U.C. Berkeley with a major in Psychology and a minor in Education. At San Jose State University, she earned a Masters of Social Work degree with an emphasis in schools. She has also completed the program in Early Childhood Education and Preschoolers with Disabilities.