Administration

Dear MLK Students, Families, Staff, and Community,

It is with tremendous gratitude, excitement, and humility that I join the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Middle School community as your new principal.

As a Hayward educator and leader, this opportunity is deeply personal. I believe that every child deserves a school where they are known, challenged, supported, and inspired to become the very best version of themselves. Dr. King's vision reminds us that education is more than academic achievement—it is the pathway to justice, opportunity, leadership, and hope.

Together, we will continue building a school where every student feels safe, welcomed, and
valued; where diversity is celebrated as one of our greatest strengths; and where every family is recognized as an essential partner in our students' success.

My commitment is simple:
● We will place students at the center of every decision.
● We will create classrooms where rigorous learning and meaningful relationships go hand
in hand.
● We will foster a culture of belonging where every student knows they matter.
● We will prepare every learner not only for high school but for college, career, leadership,
and life.
● We will work together with honesty, compassion, and purpose to ensure every child has
access to exceptional opportunities.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to serve schools and communities across the Bay Area as a teacher, principal, district leader, and superintendent. Those experiences have
reinforced one important truth: the strongest schools are built through relationships. Listening comes before leading. Collaboration creates lasting improvement. When educators, families, students, and community partners work together, remarkable things happen.

During my first months at MLK, my priority will be listening and learning. I look forward to visiting classrooms, meeting with students, partnering with teachers and staff, connecting with families, and hearing the stories, traditions, and aspirations that make this school so special. Together, we will celebrate what is working well while identifying opportunities to grow even stronger.

As we begin this journey, our work will be guided by four shared commitments:

Academic Excellence
Every student deserves engaging instruction, high expectations, and the support needed to
achieve success.

Belonging and Well-Being
Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, included, and connected to caring adults.

Leadership and Opportunity
Every student deserves opportunities to discover their strengths, develop their voice, and
become leaders in our school and community.

Partnership and Community
Every family deserves to be welcomed, heard, and empowered as an essential partner in
education.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us that "The function of education is to teach one to think
intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education."  Those words continue to inspire our mission today. Together, we will cultivate both excellence and character in every student who walks through our doors.

I am honored to become part of the MLK family. Thank you for welcoming me into this
extraordinary community. I look forward to meeting each of you and working together to create an exceptional middle school experience where every student can learn, lead, and thrive.

Looking forward to making this an incredible year together.

In Solidarity,

Dr. Itoco Garcia, Ed.D.
Principal
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School
Hayward Unified School District

Dear Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Cobras,

Welcome to another exciting school year! It is an honor to serve as your Assistant Principal at MLK Middle School. As a dedicated, longtime educator leading our incredible campus, my commitment to our school’s rich legacy of academic excellence, student leadership, and equity remains as strong as ever.

Throughout my career in education across the K–12 continuum, middle school has held a special place in my heart. My background as a middle school Language Arts teacher deeply shapes how I view this crucial, transformative stage in a young person's life. I am firmly dedicated to ensuring our campus is a space where every student is not only challenged academically, but also seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.

My leadership is grounded in empathy, relational trust, and collaboration. I believe that when families, students, and educators work hand-in-hand, we foster an inclusive, joyful, and supportive school culture. Together, we continue to advance student success through restorative practices, strong instructional coaching, and an unwavering commitment to equity.

As an immigrant, multilingual individual, and first-generation college graduate, I know firsthand the transformative power of education and the dreams families carry for their children. As a local resident and parent, my family and I are deeply invested in our community and our schools.

Throughout the year, my priority is maintaining strong connections and building on our shared momentum. You will always see me active and visible across campus—whether in the hallways, at drop-off, during school events, or at family gatherings. Please feel free to say hello and share your thoughts and hopes for our school community.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, trust, and dedication to our students. I am thrilled for the journey ahead and honored to serve the MLK Middle School community.

Warmly,
Meera Singh
Assistant Principal
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School