Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education President Shounak Dharap announced in an email sent on Feb. 20 that Superintendent Don Austin will step down effective immediately, following a mutual separation agreement with the board.
“This is not a retirement or a termination,” Dharap said in his email. “Rather it is a decision made jointly, one that allows the District to enter its next chapter under new leadership while honoring eight years of meaningful work.”
Austin will serve as superintendent emeritus through June 30, advising the district during the transition. The board will meet on Monday, Feb. 23, to appoint an interim superintendent and begin the search for permanent leadership.
In his email, Dharap highlighted accomplishments during Austin’s eight-year tenure, citing the district’s COVID-19 response, early literacy initiatives and expanded mental health services. He also noted facility projects, including the reconstruction of Hoover Elementary School and the opening of Palo Alto Middle College High School.
“Changing leadership is not easy, and I can promise you this decision was not made lightly,” Dharap said. “We will move with both urgency and care.”
The board has not yet shared more details about the separation agreement or what led to the decision, beyond calling it “mutual.”
Austin’s departure comes after several weeks of tension in the district. At the Feb. 10 Board of Education meeting, tension rose during an exchange between Austin and Palo Alto High School student board representative Dylan Chen. Chen referenced a prior conversation about the district budget decisions, and Austin accused him of misrepresenting their discussion.
“I find it shameful that our district administration goes to the lengths to mischaracterize honest oversight with students,” Chen said at the meeting.
In the days following the Feb. 10 meeting, several teachers signed a letter to the board calling for Austin’s removal. The letter cited concerns about leadership, communication and the superintendent’s conduct during the public exchange. The board has not yet confirmed whether the letter played a role in the decision to end Austin’s contract.
Dharap said PAUSD community members can direct questions to the district office or the Board as the transition process begins.
The board is expected to share more information in the coming weeks as it appoints an acting superintendent and begins the search process. In the meantime, district leaders said they are focused on maintaining stability for students and staff as the change unfolds.
