2023-24 Leadership Transitions

After serving PAUSD in multiple roles, Ms. Laurence will be completing her final position as the Director of Academic Initiatives. Previously, she supported students and staff as the principal of Gunn High School, assistant principal at Palo Alto High School, and a teacher for 16 years, during which she also served as a Teacher Advisor. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Stanford University. Superintendent Don Austin has commonly referred to Ms. Laurence as "the ultimate teammate."

Dr. Keating will be completing his PAUSD career as the Palo Alto Adult School principal. He previously served as the assistant principal at Palo Alto High School. Prior to PAUSD, Dr. Keating served as a Director of 21st Century Learning and Technology in the San Carlos School District. He holds a Doctorate degree in Education from Stanford University, a Master's degree in Marine Science, and a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of San Francisco.

Mr. Sherman will be transitioning from principal at Hoover Elementary School to principal of the Palo Alto Adult School. He will succeed Dr. Tom Keating who is retiring at the end of the 2022-23 school year. Mr. Sherman has served at Hoover for the past five years. Prior to PAUSD, he served as a principal in the Evergreen School District. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from San Jose State University.

Ms. Manou will continue serving in her role as the principal of Greendell Preschool and also assume the role of principal of Hoover Elementary, which will temporarily relocate to the Greendell campus location due to construction. Ms. Manou has been an educator for 24 years. Her prior experience includes working as an Administrative Teacher on Special Assignment, a multi-grade Educational Specialist, a teacher for various grade levels in PAUSD, as well as the Full-Year Distance Learning Coordinator. She earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree at California State University, Fresno.

Upon her return from medical leave, Ms. Coleman will be transitioning from principal at El Carmelo Elementary School to a leadership support role at the District Office. Prior to serving at El Carmelo, she served as the principal of Greendell Preschool and worked as an Educational Specialist for many years in both PAUSD and the Mountain View Whisman School District.

Mr. Argumedo is currently serving the El Carmelo community as the interim principal while filling in for Shannon Coleman who, after returning from medical leave, will undertake a different leadership role in 2023-24. Prior to El Carmelo Elementary School, Mr. Argumedo supported Gunn High School as an assistant principal, Fletcher Middle School as an assistant principal, and taught elementary school for many years in PAUSD. He holds a Bachelor's degree in American History from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Santa Clara University.