It’s been 33 years since Dave Kline reported for a ‘first day of school’ at an Oakdale campus.

The 1985 Oakdale High School alum, however, is back within the rotation as he recently reported for the job as Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources with Oakdale Joint Unified.

“It’s a high performing district, a successful district with tremendous community support,” Kline said of joining the OJUSD team.

The assistant superintendent spent four year previously as the Director of Human Resources with Newman/Crows Landing School District. This is his 28th year in education. He is a graduate of UC Davis.

During his tenure in education, Kline has taught at the elementary level, as well as served as a vice principal, as well as principal at the Junior High level.

“Working with the kids,” he said of what he enjoys most about education. “That’s why we’re all here. The teachers can make a difference in a kid’s life in terms of learning. The secondary indicator is what types of leadership you have.”

With much regard and high respect for his past district, the newly appointed assistant superintendent shared his admiration for Superintendent Marc Malone and the way in which he leads the OJUSD team.

“I’m pleased to be here,” he said. “I’m excited to work with the team.”

Just one month in to his new position, Kline shared being excited to be a part of a proactive, detail driven team. He’s also encouraged by his early meetings with negotiating representatives, as that too falls under his scope of work.

“Primarily making sure that we have the best people and the hire the best people for the positions that we have,” he added of his focus as the new assistant superintendent, HR. “That’s something that we’re always looking at with hiring. What always encourages me to get up every day, was hoping, at least having a sense that you’re making a difference. If you’re determined and focused you can make a difference.”