Wells Middle School Hires Alumnus As New Principal

DUBLIN, CA — Monica MacDonald, a former Wells Middle School student who currently serves as assistant principal of Kolb Elementary School, will take over as principal of her alma mater in fall 2025, the district announced.

MacDonald takes over for Principal Sukanya Goswami, who announced she is stepping down at the end of the year. After spring break, MacDonald will work with Goswami to familiarize herself with the school and support the transition.

MacDonald once attended Wells Middle School, and graduated Dublin High School in 1998. She received her bachelor's in English from CSU Sacramento and her master's in language and literacy education from San Francisco State University.

MacDonald has served as an English and academic literacy teacher, induction coach, and director of student services in Sacramento, Hayward, Emeryville, and Oakland, then as principal of Vincent Academy, an elementary school in Oakland. In 2020, she rejoined DUSD as assistant principal of Kolb Elementary School.

“Hiring from within our district is always rewarding, but in this case, it’s especially meaningful because we have the opportunity to elevate someone who has not only proven themselves as an administrator but is also a product of our district and the very school she will soon lead,” said DUSD Superintendnet Chris Funk. “Monica’s journey—from student to administrator—exemplifies the dedication, passion, and excellence we strive to instill in every learner. Her deep connection to our city, district, and Wells, combined with her proven leadership, makes her the ideal person to lead the school into the future. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on the Wells community.”

“Returning to Wells Middle School as its next principal is an incredibly personal and meaningful milestone for me,” MacDonald said in a statement. “This school played a pivotal role in my journey as a student, and now, I have the privilege of leading it into the future. Dublin is my hometown, and for the past five years, I have been honored to serve this district as an Assistant Principal at Kolb Elementary. Continuing my professional career in the district that shaped me is both humbling and exciting. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff, students, and families of Wells Middle School to build on its legacy of excellence. Being part of the Wells community in this new role is an incredible honor, and I can’t wait to get started.”