Superintendent's Update - August 22, 2025
Superintendent's Update - August 22, 2025
From the Office of the Superintendent
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Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .
We took every student at Hoover Elementary on a field trip to the site of their new campus. While it is still under construction, the kids got to see how the school is progressing, and all signed the final piece of a roof that was put in place as they watched. It was an amazing day.
The event was unique in many ways. Our local police department provided an escort for our students, which added to the excitement. The escort had practical value with so many kids crossing a major street at the same time. More importantly, the officers contributed to the tone of the day by smiling and interacting with our kids.
The tours were organized beautifully and with tremendous care. I am sure this day was a distraction for the workers and an additional thing to worry about for the organizers. It will also be remembered for a very long time by those who participated. This is the type of extra step we strive to put in place for our students across the district.
Our students probably don’t understand that we were able to do this project, and many others, due to a construction bond program financed by our community. They don’t know that PAUSD just received another AAA rating from Moody’s or that there are less than 10 school districts in the state that can make that statement. Kids don’t know how much a new play structure or sod costs. They just know that both are awesome!
Today was a good day. The example is specific to Hoover, but the reality is most of our campuses got touched in a good way over the last couple years. We are fortunate for the ability to do this work and that we have people who saw an opportunity to make today special for our students.
Mental Health and Wellness Resources
This week, our district’s psychologists and mental health providers came together for a powerful session on Creating the Conditions for Learning: Fostering Inclusion, Well-Being, and Belonging. The focus was clear: student well-being and belonging cannot be left to chance or addressed only through individual counseling sessions. Instead, it requires a shared commitment to cultivating positive schoolwide climates where every young person feels safe, valued, and connected.
Our mental health team plays a critical role in this work. While therapy, assessments, and targeted interventions remain essential, we also recognize that the greatest impact comes when psychologists, therapists, counselors, teachers, and administrators work together to curate environments of care. This means not only responding to crises, but also proactively building cultures where students experience inclusion and respect every day.
One area of particular urgency is ensuring that students who identify as LGBTQ+ feel supported and affirmed. Research consistently shows that LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and school avoidance when they feel excluded or unsafe. However, when schools foster inclusive climates through affirming practices, visible allyship, and accessible resources, students demonstrate stronger well-being, engagement, and academic success.
We are committed to making sure our schools are places where all students can thrive. Below are a few resources that may be helpful for educators, families, and students seeking support:
PAUSD Website: Mental Health and Wellness Resources
allcove - Welcoming space for youth (ages 12-25) for emotional, physical, and social support (650) 798-6330
Kara - Grief support for children, teens, adults, and families - (650) 321-5272
Care Solace - Mental health and social service coordination for PAUSD students, families, and staff - (888) 515-0595
tbh - Free virtual coaching and counseling service for PAUSD students (age 13+), available weekends, evenings, and school breaks. Students access tbh via PAUSD Classlink.
Adolescent Counseling Services - Counseling, substance addiction, and social-emotional support - (650) 424-0852
National Alliance for Children's Grief - Grief support resource library
A Parent’s Guide to Risk Assessment & Safety |Spanish | Mandarin
LGBTQ+ Resources for Youth and Families
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The Trevor Project - 24/7 support, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth (212) 695-8650
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Outlet - LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Counseling Services - (650) 424-0852 x107
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San Mateo Pride Center - Resources for LGBTQ+ children and adults
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GLSEN – Resources for creating LGBTQ+ inclusive schools
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PFLAG – Family and community support for LGBTQ+ youth
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It Gets Better Project – Stories and support for LGBTQ+ young people
🌿 Upcoming Grief Webinars for Families
Monday, August 25 | 6:00–7:00 PM | Virtual
Webinario: Apoyando a Niños y Adolescentes en Duelo
Este entrenamiento le ayudará a obtener conocimientos básicos del duelo y herramientas para apoyar a sus niños y adolescentes. Register here »
Tuesday, August 26 | 5:30 PM | Virtual
Understanding and Coping with Grief: A Parent & Caregiver Webinar
PAUSD is committed to supporting the well-being of our students and families. As part of this effort, we invite parents and caregivers to join a free webinar led by licensed clinician Erin Andrews, LMHC, LPCC. The session will cover topics such as understanding grief, common reactions, practical coping strategies, when to seek additional support, and resources available for students. Two sessions will be offered to accommodate schedules:
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Tuesday, August 26 at 5:30 PM (PT)
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Tuesday, September 2 at 6:00 PM (PT)
This webinar is offered at no cost through PAUSD’s partnership with TBH (now part of Uwill). Register here»
Thursday, August 28 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Virtual
Supporting Children and Teens: Training for Caregivers
An overview of the fundamentals of grief with a focus on identifying and supporting grief in children and teens after a death. Designed for parents, caregivers, and those who work with youth. Register here »
As a district, we believe that well-being, belonging, and equity are not add-ons to the work of schools; they are at the very heart of learning. Together, as a mental health team and as a broader community, we are shaping an ecosystem of care where every student knows they matter.
Dual Enrollment Update
Dual enrollment teachers met with Foothill College administrators to launch their courses for the year and review their dual roles as PAUSD teachers and part-time community college faculty. With more than 450 students enrolled, a sharp increase from previous years, the orientation established PAUSD-specific drop dates, clarified the add/drop process, and confirmed the Dual Enrollment Counselor as the primary point of contact for teachers, students, and other stakeholders. PAUSD deeply values its strong partnership with Foothill College, which continues to expand access and opportunities for students.
Gunn Wind Ensemble Triquetra Saxophone Quartet
The first Board meeting of the year began with a beautiful performance by the Gunn Wind Ensemble’s Triquetra Saxophone Quartet, under the direction of Band Director Todd Summers. Featuring Kabir Mahajan (soprano saxophone), Angelise Chang (alto saxophone), Hanting Liu (tenor saxophone), and Elijah Leppert (baritone saxophone), the quartet performed excerpts from Songs for the Coming Day: Movement VIII by David Maslanka. Their artistry and musicianship set an inspiring and celebratory tone for the year ahead. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Summers and these talented Gunn students for sharing their time, energy, and music with our community.
