Superintendent's Update - May 23, 2025
Superintendent's Update - May 23, 2025
From the Office of the Superintendent
Board Agenda Calendar
View Calendar of Board Items 2024-25
Superintendent Austin’s Message . . .
I attended the 8th Annual Research and Service Leadership Symposium yesterday at Foothill College. It was a powerful experience with energy in the air and our students sharing their research on a variety of scholarly topics. My favorite interaction was with one of our students. I asked her to share her study and findings with me. She quickly said her findings didn’t align with her initial assumptions. The rest of the story is less important. This young lady led with the realization that often, what we think we know isn’t as true as we thought it was. We spent a little time discussing that point, and I left optimistic about our future!
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, I want to highlight some of the academic indicators that speak to the strength of PAUSD. When we do not regularly share our successes, outside narratives can take hold that do not reflect our reality. This is a brief preview of a more detailed academic report coming to an upcoming Board meeting.
Since 2017, the Board has approved many new courses that reflect both rigor and relevance. AP courses such as AP English Language, AP Human Geography, AP Seminar, AP Capstone Research, and AP Physics 2 have expanded our college-level offerings. Honors courses like Early Childhood Development, Medical Interventions, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Media Leadership and Management have deepened opportunities in both academic and career pathways.
A major milestone this year is the opening of Palo Alto Middle College High School on the campus of Foothill College. This small, college-based high school offers a unique opportunity for students seeking a more independent, flexible learning environment. It is the kind of program that is rare in public education and reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are.
One area that continues to grow in PAUSD is our dual enrollment program, which allows students to earn college credit while still in high school. This year alone, nearly 400 students enrolled in dual credit-bearing courses. These include subjects such as Early Childhood Development, Human Anatomy, Advanced Research, and Journalism. These programs reflect a commitment to providing rigorous, real-world learning experiences for all students, whether they're preparing for college, career, or both.
We are also proud of our growing programs at the elementary and middle school levels. Our dual-language immersion programs in Spanish and Mandarin continue to thrive. At JLS, the Connections program provides a specialized learning model designed to support collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. The Stage Technology course at Fletcher and the Sustainability theme introduced in 2023 give students early access to hands-on, real-world learning.
Early literacy benchmarks have improved significantly since 2018, AP participation has increased, and our list of approved courses continues to evolve with student needs and interests. These are not isolated successes. They are part of a system working hard to grow stronger every year.
CLASSIFIED APPRECIATION
I want to thank our classified team for their work and dedication to PAUSD. Employees in school districts are generally broken into a few groups. Certificated employees include teachers and administrators. Classified employees include all support positions, maintenance team members, bus drivers, instructional assistants, food services, security, office staff, custodians, and a host of very important positions to keep us moving. We are proud of the team and appreciate them very much!
Celebrating our PAUSD Retirees
May is always a month filled with celebrations. Earlier this month, we celebrated 40+ incredible educators and staff members retiring in 2025 after decades of dedication to our students. The room overflowed with heartfelt stories, laughter, and a few happy tears as we honored their combined centuries of service. From classroom innovations to behind-the-scenes support, these remarkable professionals have shaped thousands of young lives in our community. Their wisdom and commitment have been the foundation of our district's excellence.
As they begin their well-deserved next chapter, we thank them for building the PAUSD Promise every day. Their legacy will continue in the success of generations of students.
Congratulations to our 2025 retirees!
Palo Alto Police Department Congratulates the Class of 2025!
On behalf of the Palo Alto Police Department, Palo Alto Police Chief Andrew Binder extends the following message to parents and graduates of the Class of 2025:
“Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025 and to the parents who have successfully supported the future leaders of our community. Graduation Day, June 5, 2025, is a day of significant achievement in your lives and calls for celebration. Graduation also marks your official entry into adulthood and, accordingly, you face important choices about the future and your well-being.
On behalf of the men and women of the Palo Alto Police Department, I extend a special thank you to those students who contribute to a safe and sober graduation. You have worked long and hard to earn your diploma. Please do not let alcohol or drugs spoil this special occasion or your future.
Again, congratulations to you! I wish you success and happiness as your lives and careers unfold.”
🎨 Last Chance to See the District Art Show This Weekend! 🖼️
The District Art Show wraps up Sunday, May 25th , and it's your last chance to see the creativity and hard work on display. Don't miss your final opportunity to experience the incredible talent of our student artists this weekend!
The gallery tells a powerful visual story—tracing artistic growth from the imaginative beginnings of kindergarten to the refined, expressive works of our high school students. The wide range of artwork on display beautifully reflects how our students' creativity is rooted in strong foundations and lifted by boundless imagination.
Exhibition Dates
May 3 – May 25
Palo Alto Art Center
1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Celebrating Champions of Foster & Homeless Youth
The Santa Clara County Office of Education Department of Foster & Homeless Youth Services recently announced that 24 exceptional school and district personnel have been selected for special recognition for going above and beyond in their commitment to serving foster and homeless youth. These outstanding individuals have demonstrated that when we lead with empathy and take action, we can create transformative change for our most vulnerable students. Among the honorees is our own Amy Love, Manager, Enrollment Services, whose innovative approach to supporting immigrant and refugee families has made a lasting impact across PAUSD. From SCCOE: “Ms. Love initiated a Foster & Homeless Youth 101 Training for all office managers and attendance clerks on enrolling immigrants and refugees. As a result, staff across the district welcomed families arriving after the Los Angeles fires and with immigration challenges and found ways and resources to support them. Ms. Love's proactive training initiative exemplifies the ripple effect of thoughtful leadership. By equipping front-line staff with essential knowledge and tools, she created a district-wide culture of welcome and support precisely when families needed it most.” The dedication shown by Ms. Love and her fellow honorees sets a powerful example for all of us working to ensure that foster and homeless youth receive the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
PAMC Students Excel at Foothill College Research Symposium
Over 100 students from Paly, Gunn, and PAMC presented original capstone projects at Foothill College's 8th Annual Research & Service Leadership Symposium this week. PAMC students served dual roles as both presenters and event organizers, working with college faculty on logistics, communications, and leadership to support this college-level academic conference. These weren't typical school assignments. Students engaged in genuine college-level scholarship by presenting alongside college students on campus, earning college credit for their research, and demonstrating intellectual autonomy through original inquiry. Several are even working toward publishing their research in articles and books.
The symposium exemplifies our commitment to education that goes beyond AP courses and standardized benchmarks. Students thrive when empowered to pursue original questions, take ownership of their learning, and contribute to real academic discourse. This event showcases what becomes possible when we trust students to engage in authentic scholarship and provide them with platforms to share their intellectual contributions.
