Superintendent's Update - January 23, 2026
Superintendent's Update - January 23, 2026
From the Office of the Superintendent
Board Agenda Calendar
View Calendar of Board Items 2025-26
Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .
We cut the ribbon for the new Hoover Elementary campus yesterday and it was spectacular. The best part was the energy our students brought to the buildings as they ran around with excitement and a desire to explore everything. We are thankful for our community support of our construction bond program that made it possible.
We will spend some time outlining key components of our financial picture over the next few months. The sky is not falling, but there are things to consider. Our residents can read about issues facing the City of Palo Alto. You have also probably seen stories about large-scale reductions and layoffs in neighboring school districts, including community funded (basic aid) districts. We will do our best to provide a clinical and accurate picture of our current and future state.
I would suggest reviewing information about the difference between and ending fund balance and reserves. The terms are often conflated, which is a mistake. If we equate it to most of our lives, the ending fund balance is like looking at all your accounts on a single day as one big number. In personal finance, that is like combining your checking, savings, money set aside for property taxes, money earmarked for a new roof, and a security deposit that isn’t free to spend. Reserves aren’t replenished. Ending fund balances may grow due to the state’s strategy to provide one-time money instead of ongoing revenue increases.
The ending fund balance is tricky. While we hear that we should spend it down, the way it is done is not easy. For example, if a salary increase were to cost $20 million and it came exclusively from our reserves (although it would not come exclusively from reserves), we would eat through all the money set aside in a handful of years. The ongoing commitment would remain, while the funding would be gone. The result would mirror our neighbors who are now making large budget and personnel reductions.
It's time for a good look in the mirror to remain fiscally responsible. It has served us well in the past and will in the future. Our next meeting of the Board of Education will also examine the impact of our parcel tax, student to staff ratios, employee medical benefits increases and impacts, and other issues that are part of doing business.
We are fortunate to have a financial position of strength, although some of the key elements, basic aid funding and parcel tax, are under opposition. I would not trade our finances with most school districts. That doesn’t mean we don’t need to look to the horizon and make decisions that protect us in the long-term.
Spring 2026 PAUSD Middle School Validation
For Spring 2026, rising sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students who wish to accelerate beyond the already compacted middle school math program may participate in the Math Validation Process, and, in effect, cover five years of math in three years. In late January, registration information will be provided to parents of current grade 5, 6, and 7th-grade students via Parent Square. Students must register to participate. The test will be administered in March (current grade 6 & 7 on March 23; current grade 5 on March 25).
The Math Validation Process consists of one paper-and-pencil assessment. This assessment will evaluate the readiness of the grade-level math course the student would like to challenge, in addition to the student's knowledge of the topics and skills covered in the course. In late January, registration information will be provided to parents of current grade 5, 6, and 7th-grade students via Parent Square.
These assessments are aligned to the state-adopted mathematics content standards. They consist of multiple-choice (MC) and free-response questions (FRQ). The assessments were developed in partnership with WestEd, a national research, development, and service leader, alongside PAUSD Math Instructional Leaders.
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Interested students may opt in to take the test.
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The test will cover the grade-specific standards and concepts for mastery.
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Students successful in the Math Validation Process may only accelerate one additional year in the PAUSD middle school pathway.
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Students may participate more than once if they do not pass the assessments in a previous validation process.
PAUSD Awarded $536,687 Career Technical Education Incentive Grant for 2025-26
The Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG) is a statewide initiative that supports education, economic, and workforce development by equipping K–12 students with the knowledge and skills needed for successful transitions to employment and postsecondary education.
Recent PAUSD investments include the acquisition of a new annealing oven for the Palo Alto High School Glass Blowing and Fabrication Studio, enhanced cameras and production equipment to support broadcasting and journalism programs, advanced diagnostic tools for automotive instruction, professional-grade kitchen equipment for the culinary pathway, and expanded curriculum resources and professional learning opportunities for Career Technical Education (CTE) educators.
PAUSD has been awarded $536,687 in CTEIG funding for the 2025–26 school year, with the grant term extending through June 30, 2027.
PAUSD’s Tri- Middle School Musical is back!
Once again, it's time for the PAUSD Tri-Middle School Musical! This year we are proud to present Shrek The Musical JR.! Our production will be performed at the Spangenberg Theatre at Gunn High School on May 8th, 9th and 10th.
Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and the fantastic Broadway musical. It's a "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Audition Information
This is a "cast all" production, meaning no one will be turned away. This opportunity is open to all Middle School students, even those who are not currently enrolled in a drama course. Students who intend to audition must be prepared to commit to all rehearsals and performances. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Middle School drama teacher.
Shrek Jr Auditions will be taking place at each of the middle school sites:
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Fletcher – Jan. 30th and Feb. 2nd after school in C7
- Greene – Jan. 30th and Feb. 2nd after school in Room B3
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JLS – Feb. 2nd and Feb. 4th after school in Room 130
Additional information about the show, including a detailed synopsis, full cast information, and samples of the songs, can all be found at this on the shows website.
Hoover Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for the tremendous support shown by the more than 400 community members who attended the Hoover Ribbon Cutting this week. The incredible turnout made this milestone truly special. We are thrilled to welcome students and staff to the new campus as classes begin next week. This campus represents a bold and exciting future for our elementary schools, featuring abundant natural light, thoughtfully chosen materials, and the distinction of being the most sustainable campus in the District. We invite families and community members to visit on weekends, enjoy the playgrounds, and celebrate this wonderful new addition to our school network.
Information Resources
To help provide greater understanding and clarity regarding district finances related to labor negotiations and the budget, we will be updating information on our website. View the first updates on the FAQ (frequently asked questions) section of the Negotiations page.
