Regular Board Meeting - June 16, 2026

The Palo Alto Unified School District held its Regular Board Meeting on June 16, 2026, focusing heavily on the approval of the new superintendent's employment contract and labor agreements with employee unions. The board unanimously approved the employment contract for Dr. Jason Glass as superintendent, including a base salary of $396,136 for the first year, housing provisions, health benefits, and expense reimbursements. There was significant public and board discussion regarding the contract's terms, transparency, and negotiation process. Additionally, the board addressed labor contracts with the Palo Alto Educators Association (PAEA) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA), including contentious trigger language related to property tax revenue increases that could financially impact the district. After a recess for closed-session labor negotiations, the board approved the CSEA contract and tabled the PAEA memorandum of understanding for further discussion. The meeting also included approval of the district's annual budget for 2026-27, with acknowledgment that the budget did not yet reflect the finalized labor agreements. Board members discussed the need for future financial planning, potential Measure O renewal, and the importance of investing in staff to support student outcomes. Public comments addressed concerns about legal representation costs, special education services, grading policies, and community support for parcel tax measures.