Superintendent's Update - March 14, 2025

Mar 14 2025

From the Office of the Superintendent

Board Agenda Calendar

View Calendar of Board Items 2024-25

Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .

It’s human nature to assume everyone shares the same concerns we see in headlines or on social media. Yet when I chat with neighbors, I’m often reminded that many families care most about whether their kids like their teachers, feel safe, and return home in the same good shape they left. Adult issues seem much less important when seen through this simple lens.

Of course, we have our share of divisive issues, which are not uncommon in a highly engaged community. We also face very real challenges, tragedies, and shortcomings. Some concerns draw outsized attention. But whenever I visit a school, I’m reminded that most students and staff are doing just fine. Five minutes on an elementary campus shows teachers giving it their all, and at our middle schools, kids are hilariously trying to figure out if they’re still “little” or already “big.” High schools come alive early and keep going late. There’s a lot of energy and a lot of learning.

We’ve recently focused on early childhood education and appropriate academic standards. While foundational academics matter, I also want our kids to be kind, to play, to dance, sing, paint, and learn about growing a garden or taking care of animals. My dad once told me, “You have the rest of your life to work,” and it stuck. Some people believe jobs and structure teach responsibility. That’s true, too. But I appreciate the idea of letting kids enjoy the short window of childhood they won’t get back.

We’re in one of the most academic places in the country, yet we also see higher stress and anxiety levels. Before adding more services, I think we should look hard at the root causes. A little laughter, curiosity, and downtime can go a long way. Kids make sense if we let them. Let’s keep preparing them for college and careers, but let’s also remember the importance of just being a kid. Today is a great day; ask your child about it. Chances are, they have something fun to share. If it wasn’t a great day, it is our collective charge to convince them that tomorrow will be better.

I appreciate you all. Let’s continue to work together to support each other and our students.

Gunn Theatre’s spring production, Hadestown

Friday, March 14th, is the opening night of Gunn Theatre’s spring production, Hadestown. This modern retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice—written by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell—takes audiences on a mesmerizing journey through love, sacrifice, and fate. Orpheus and Eurydice fall in love, but when Eurydice finds herself in the underworld, ruled by Hades, Orpheus must embark on a perilous journey to rescue her. With the help of Hermes and the Fates, he faces a heartbreaking challenge: Eurydice may follow him back to the world above, but if he looks back, he will lose her forever. Winner of eight Tony Awards and still running on Broadway, Hadestown is a must-see production! All shows in Spangenberg theater, for tickets go to: www.gunntheatre.org

Last Call for Artwork to be displayed on California Avenue!

For more information on this event, please see Call for Artists linked here.

3rdThursday Artwork drop off Locations:

California Avenue Farmers Market (March 16, 9 AM-1 PM )
Palo Alto Adult School Office (March 10-13, 8:30 AM-6:30 PM )
Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Office 355 Alma Street, Palo Alto ( March 17th 2-6pm)