Superintendent's Update - February 28, 2025

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Feb 28 2025

From the Office of the Superintendent

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Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .

Who’s got it better than us?

That’s the question made famous by Paly alum Jim Harbaugh, and one I kept thinking about as I visited our schools this week. The answer? It’s hard to argue that anyone does.

At every stop, I was reminded of the “extras” that set PAUSD apart. Things we might take for granted are far from ordinary. As a community-funded district, we depend on local property taxes, along with the incredible generosity of our parents through PTA and Partners in Education (PiE). That partnership translates into real opportunities for students.

In just a few hours of site visits, I saw:

Elementary students engaged in music, hands-on science with the Junior Museum, and a Walk Across America presentation.
Middle schoolers full of energy, with staff gearing up to explore AI’s role in education.
High schools that could pass for college campuses (one literally is), featuring advanced computer science, robotics, and auto programs that made me jealous.

Beyond academics, our schools feel different. Playgrounds are accessible, facilities are well-maintained, lunches are high-quality, and, most importantly, kids are happy. Our libraries belong in magazines, yet they remain real places of learning, staffed by certificated librarians. Maker spaces thrive at every level, and I saw one-on-one aides and targeted small-group instruction in action.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but every so often, we should pause and appreciate what makes this district special. So back to the original question: Who’s got it better than us? It’s tough to argue against: Nobody.

PAUSD Promise Serve and Celebrate Others

Please click to watch a short video. Our students and staff are what make the PAUSD community special.

PAUSD's Rosemarie Dowell Honored with Prestigious California School Nursing Administration Award

Congratulations to Rosemarie Dowell, #PAUSD Health Services Coordinator, on receiving the California School Nurses Organization’s Excellence in School Nursing Administration Award! This well-deserved honor reflects not only Rosemarie’s outstanding leadership but also the dedication and excellence of our entire health services team. Thank you for your commitment to student health and well-being! We are so proud of you!

A woman smiles while holding an award in front of a tropical-themed backdrop. A glass award with a blue base, recognizing excellence in school nursing administration for Rosemarie Dowell, MSN, RN, PHN, CSN.

Gunn High School Focus on Success Donates to LA Fire Victims

Gunn High School’s Focus On Success program is spreading love beyond campus! Our amazing students collected over 300 pairs of socks and crafted 100 heartfelt notes for LA fire victims in honor of Valentine’s Day. Proud to see our students turning compassion into action!

A Gunn HS student holds a sign that reads '366 pairs of socks' and '122 notes of love' in front of a box filled with socks. The sign also includes the phrase 'LOVE for LA Sending Support & Socks.'