The Palo Alto Unified School District announced this morning that Superintendent Don Austin would no longer be serving his position, effective immediately. 

Dr. Austin will serve as Superintendent Emeritus through June 30 to continue “advising the District throughout this transition”, PAUSD School Board President Shounak Dharap wrote in a letter to the community. The Board will meet on Monday to discuss the appointment of a new acting superintendent.

Dharap said the decision to remove Dr. Austin was made through a “thoughtful conversation” and emphasized the move wasn’t a retirement or a termination.

Dharap focused on Dr. Austin’s legacy as the longest tenured superintendent since 1975, including his work in reopening schools during the COVID pandemic, prioritizing early literacy, establishing the PAUSD promise and supporting the opening of Middle College, among others.

Additionally, Dharap addressed the community by stressing the importance of navigating difficult moments and supporting students.

“Here is my commitment to you: we will move with both urgency and care,” Dharap wrote. “We will not rush this decision simply to fill a vacancy, but we will not drag our feet when you and our students need clarity.”

This is a developing story. The Campanile will continue updating this story as more information becomes available.