Superintendent's Update - April 18, 2025
Superintendent's Update - April 18, 2025
From the Office of the Superintendent
Board Agenda Calendar
View Calendar of Board Items 2024-25
Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .
While we still have a little over 30 days remaining this year, the staff is also planning for next year. This includes the next iteration of the PAUSD Promise. Thank you to everyone who participated in our stakeholder input process. We learned a lot by listening to your feedback.
This is also the time when the Board of Education discusses and ultimately approves the budget. For context, PAUSD operates with a budget of a little over $350 million. Every expense added to the budget reduces available funding for other areas. It is rare for a proposal to come forward that is without merit or value. The tension comes from the fact that there will always be more ideas and interests than available funds. We will enter negotiations in the fall with expectations to evaluate and appropriately adjust compensation and benefits for our employees. We will communicate the final decisions which will include some very nice improvements in areas impacting students.
Our school board will also determine PAUSD goals for the Promise at a Special Meeting on April 29. The plan is designed to evolve with most of the big priority areas remaining in place. We are pleased with the growth in each priority area over the years and are always looking for places to improve.
This is more of a “business” update than usual. Next week will be more fun!
2025 Palo Alto Unified K-12 Art Show: Roots and Wings: Our Evolving Artists
Over the next couple weeks, the VAPA office and our incredible K–12 Visual Art teachers will be hard at work installing this vibrant showcase. Featuring artwork from across the district, the show highlights the creativity, skill, and imagination of our student artists spanning all grade levels.
Opening in early May, Roots and Wings: Our Evolving Artists features the work of over 750 K–12 PAUSD students, capturing their artistic journey through both strong foundational skills "roots" and their exploration, innovation, and self-expression "wings" as they grow into confident creators.
Experience the vibrant voices of our student artists—see how they are growing, stretching, and soaring through the arts!
Opening Night Celebration
Wednesday, May 7
4:30–7:00 PM (remarks at 5:45)
Featuring performances by the Gunn Jazz and Gunn Orchestra
Exhibition Dates
May 3 – May 25
Palo Alto Art Center
1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Class of 2025 Social Media Spotlight
We want to celebrate YOUR achievements and next steps on our #PAUSD social media channels! Whether you're heading to college, starting a career, joining the military, taking a gap year, or pursuing any other exciting path - we want to highlight your journey.
Share your story with us by submitting this quick Google Form: https://forms.gle/NtZDuvYY7GXZ186J8
Let's show our community the amazing places our graduates are headed!
Paly Theatre Presents: Picture It: SpongeBob SquarePants!
🌊✨ Dive into a hilarious, heartwarming adventure under the sea with The SpongeBob SquarePants Musical!
Beloved characters from the hit cartoon come to life in this colorful, high-energy production, perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike. When an underwater volcano threatens Bikini Bottom, it's up to SpongeBob and his quirky crew to save the day—while navigating chaos, wild ideas, and a whole lot of laughs along the way. Unlike any musical you’ve seen before, each song in the show is written by a different music icon. Enjoy original tunes by Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Cyndi Lauper, Aerosmith, and many more!
🎭 Performance Dates:
📅 Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 PM
📅 Friday, April 25 at 7:00 PM
📅 Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
📅 Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 PM
For tickets please go to: https://www.palytheatre.com/tickets
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E-Bike PSA from the CIty of Palo Alto
As we continue prioritizing the safety of our students and community, please be aware that certain motorized mopeds or motorcycles are being marketed to younger audiences as electric bicycles. These high-powered vehicles operate at higher speeds and may require special licensing, registration, or safety equipment. Unauthorized moped or motor vehicle operation by a minor could result in citations, towing, or other penalties under the California Vehicle Code. Families are strongly encouraged to review the specifications of any electric bike prior to making a purchase. The Palo Alto Safe Routes to School website provides additional reminders about how electric bicycle users can commute courteously, responsibly, safely and sustainably.
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PAUSD Early Literacy
Please click to watch a short video.
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Smart Social Parent Engagement on the rise!
Smart Social, founded by Josh Ochs, is a leading educational resource that helps 1.5 million people each year keep students safe and positive on social media. The organization provides comprehensive digital citizenship programs that teach parents and educators how to navigate the complex digital landscape alongside their students.
PAUSD has partnered with Smart Social and we are excited to see that parent engagement has reached an impressive 196.3% of our target goal, with 1,013 parents actively participating in weekly engagement activities (against our goal of 516). This exceptional level of involvement is estimated to have helped avoid approximately 332 potential incidents this year.
Parents continue to share valuable feedback about their experiences with Smart Social:
"I learned about potential dangers with AI companions and character AI. It's time for me to check whether my kids are feeling pressured to post online. I'd like my children to participate in the student internship project."
"I attended the Pros and Cons of Video Games event and plan to share the replay with my family. I was surprised to learn that exposure to gambling games before age 12 can lead to 4x higher likelihood of gambling addiction later."
Interested in joining the next webinar? Log into: https://www.smartsocial.com/events?org=paloalto
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