As the Palo Alto Unified School District searches for a permanent superintendent, Acting Superintendent Trent Bahadursingh is prioritizing consistency during the leadership transition. 

The transition follows the Board of Education’s Feb. 20 decision to separate from former Superintendent Don Austin. The Board did not publicly state the specific reasons for separation and announced it would begin a formal search process to find the new permanent superintendent. 

“I want to clarify that my role is as ‘acting’ superintendent while the Board conducts a superintendent search,” Bahadursingh said.

Bahadursingh said maintaining continuity during the leadership change will be important as the district moves forward. 

Stability during the transition and search for PAUSD’s next superintendent, he said, is his primary focus. Bahadursingh added that collaboration with the Board of Education, district staff and the community will be important to complete the school year. 

For students unsure what to expect in the upcoming months, Bahadursingh said the district’s priorities will remain the same. 

“Our focus remains where it should be: on student leadership, well-being and maintaining a positive, safe and supportive environment for every student,” he said. 

Academic pressure and student stress continue to be a frequent topic of discussion within PAUSD. Bahadursingh said the district aims to stay committed to supporting students’ mental health through resources and partnerships for students and families. 

“The district has been committed to providing resources and partnerships to support students and families and will continue those efforts,”  he said. “Student voice and feedback is an important part of the delivery and model.”

As the Board continues its search for a permanent superintendent, it says community input will play a key role in shaping PAUSD’s future.