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Palo Alto Unified School District, CA

Palo Alto Unified School District public meetings in 2024

56 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Thu Dec 19, 2024

Board Policy Review Committee

Committee to consider new employee leave policy and medication policy updates

The Board Policy Review Committee will review and make recommendations on updates to five board policies, including a new policy on employee leaves (BP 4161/4261/4361) and revisions to policies on administering medication, student awards, school accountability report cards, and summer learning programs. The committee will also hear information items on corresponding administrative regulations and approve minutes from the October 24, 2024 meeting.

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✓ Decided: Committee advances five board policies for Board approval

The Board Policy Review Committee agreed to move five policies regarding medication, leaves, achievement awards, school accountability, and summer learning to the Board for approval. The review of the October 24, 2024 minutes was tabled.

Thu Dec 19, 2024

CANCELED: City/School Liaison Committee Meeting

City/School Liaison Committee meeting canceled

The City/School Liaison Committee meeting scheduled for December 19, 2024, is canceled. The agenda included items such as the approval of minutes, updates from the Palo Alto Unified School District and the City of Palo Alto, and a discussion on Safe Routes to Schools.

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Tue Dec 17, 2024

Annual Organizational and Regular Board Meeting

Palo Alto school board to seat new members, elect officers for 2025

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education will hold its annual organizational meeting, administering oaths to three newly elected members and electing a president and vice president for 2025. The board will also approve committee assignments, a meeting calendar for 2025-26, and school reassignments. A closed session is scheduled to discuss personnel, legal, labor, and real property matters.

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Wed Dec 11, 2024

Fiscal Advisory Committee Meeting

Fiscal Advisory Committee meeting will be held virtually via Zoom

The Palo Alto Unified School District Fiscal Advisory Committee will meet on December 11, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public online or by telephone, and special‑accommodation requests can be sent to the Business Office. No substantive agenda items are listed beyond the meeting logistics.

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Thu Nov 21, 2024

CANCELED: City/School Liaison Committee Meeting

City/School Liaison Committee meeting canceled

The City/School Liaison Committee meeting scheduled for November 21, 2024, has been canceled. The agenda included items such as public comments, approval of minutes, updates from the Palo Alto Unified School District and the City of Palo Alto, and a discussion on Safe Routes to Schools.

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Tue Nov 12, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Board will discuss closed‑session employee evaluations and legal matters

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board will hold a closed session to address employee performance evaluations, employment matters, liability claims, and legal counsel conferences on existing litigation. After reconvening, the Board will approve the agenda order and the consent calendar, which includes certificated personnel items. Several informational reports will be presented, including updates on the new Middle College High School and teacher support programs.

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✓ Decided: Board approves Greene Middle School developer and HVAC contract increase

The Board approved Swinerton Builders as the developer for the Greene Middle School Transformation project and increased a contract for the Addison Elementary HVAC project. The Board also authorized applications for clean energy vehicle credits and a separation incentive program for certain employees.

Mon Nov 4, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

Palo Alto school district to review construction projects and approve HVAC contracts

The Palo Alto Unified School District Property Committee will review current construction projects and approve contracts for HVAC upgrades at Addison Elementary School. The committee will also discuss future facility projects and review upcoming items for the Board of Education.

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Thu Oct 24, 2024

Board Policy Review Committee

Board to review new policies on district social media, student and employee technology use

The Board Policy Review Committee will discuss proposed updates to several technology-related board policies, including a new policy on district-sponsored social media (BP 1114) and revisions to student (BP 6163.4) and employee (BP 4040) technology use policies that incorporate guidance on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The committee will also review BP 1113 on district and school websites and consider approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Corresponding administrative regulations are presented for information only.

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✓ Decided: Committee moves four technology and media policies forward for Board approval

The Board Policy Review Committee approved the September 26, 2024 minutes and agreed to move four board policies regarding social media, websites, and technology use to the Board for final approval.

Thu Oct 17, 2024

CANCELED: City/School Liaison Committee Meeting

City/School Liaison Committee meeting canceled

The City/School Liaison Committee meeting scheduled for October 17, 2024, has been canceled. The agenda included items such as the approval of the agenda order, review of public comments, and updates from both the Palo Alto Unified School District and the City of Palo Alto.

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Tue Oct 8, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Palo Alto school board meets to discuss personnel and math placement

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes and personnel items, hear a presentation on social media safety, and review math placement data.

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✓ Decided: Board approves term sheet for sale of 7 acres of Cubberley Community Center

The Board approved the sale of seven acres of the Cubberley Community Center to the City of Palo Alto, contingent on a November 2026 bond vote. Other actions included approving a memorandum of understanding with Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and a grade change appeal.

Mon Sep 30, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

Palo Alto school district to review construction projects and leases

The Property Committee will approve minutes from previous meetings and discuss future property committee items, including leases and upcoming construction projects.

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Thu Sep 26, 2024

Board Policy Review Committee

PAUSD committee reviews food service and bond policies

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board Policy Review Committee will review proposed updates to food service and general obligation bond policies to align with new state laws. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

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✓ Decided: Committee moves four board policies forward for Board approval

The Board Policy Review Committee approved the August 29, 2024 minutes and agreed to move four policies regarding food services and general obligation bonds to the Board for final approval.

Tue Sep 24, 2024

Special Board Meeting

Palo Alto school board meets to discuss closed session items

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education will hold a special meeting to conduct closed session business, including potential real estate negotiations and employee matters, followed by an open session report.

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✓ Decided: Palo Alto Unified School District Board takes no action at special meeting

The Board of Education met in closed session to discuss real property negotiations regarding the Cubberley Community Center. No reportable action was taken during the meeting.

Thu Sep 19, 2024

City/School Liaison Committee Meeting

City/School Liaison Committee meeting on September 19, 2024

The committee will conduct a meeting involving updates from the Palo Alto Unified School District and the City of Palo Alto. The agenda includes a discussion regarding joint efforts to address youth mental health.

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✓ Decided: City/School Liaison Committee approves agenda and previous meeting minutes

The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the March 21, 2024, meeting. Members received updates from the Palo Alto Unified School District and the City of Palo Alto, including information on youth mental health.

Wed Sep 11, 2024

Bond Citizens' Oversight Committee Meeting

Bond Citizens' Oversight Committee discusses bond audits and project progress

The committee will hold annual elections for Chair and Vice-Chair positions. Members will also discuss the audit process and timeline for 2023-24 bond audits and the annual report. Additionally, staff will provide status updates on Measure A and Measure Z bond projects.

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Tue Sep 10, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

PAUSD board meets to approve routine personnel and financial items

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education will hold a regular meeting to approve consent calendar items including personnel, teaching assignments, and August warrants. The meeting will include a closed session and public comment periods.

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✓ Decided: Board approves $84,000 annual student settlement and 2023-24 financial reports

The Board unanimously approved a settlement for a student case involving annual educational reimbursements through 2028. The Board also approved the 2023-24 Unaudited Actuals Financial Report and established the 2024-25 appropriation limit. Additionally, a consent calendar covering personnel, HVAC projects, and board policies was passed.

Tue Sep 3, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

PAUSD Property Committee meets to discuss HVAC projects and construction updates

The Palo Alto Unified School District Property Committee will meet to discuss upcoming Board items, including HVAC projects and construction updates. The committee will also review feedback from a recent Board meeting and discuss future property committee topics.

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Thu Aug 29, 2024

Board Policy Review Committee

BPRC reviews six policies and three regulations on student attendance, coaches, substitutes

The Board Policy Review Committee will discuss updates to six board policies and three administrative regulations, including changes for student absences due to grief or funeral services, sick leave for substitute personnel, and AED training for athletic coaches. The committee will also approve minutes from its May 23, 2024 meeting. No final decisions are made at this committee level; recommendations go to the full Board of Education.

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✓ Decided: Committee advances five board policies for approval

The Board Policy Review Committee approved the May 23, 2024 minutes and moved five policies forward to the Board for approval. One policy regarding district and school websites was tabled for further discussion on privacy and social media.

Thu Aug 29, 2024

Fiscal Advisory Committee Meeting

Fiscal Advisory Committee virtual meeting, no substantive items

This is a virtual meeting of the Palo Alto Unified School District Fiscal Advisory Committee. The only listed agenda item is the meeting agenda itself, presented as information. No decisions, proposals, or discussions on financial matters are scheduled.

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Tue Aug 20, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Board to approve 2024-25 school assignments and consent calendar

The board will discuss closed‑session matters including employee evaluations, legal counsel conferences, and a real‑property negotiation for the Cubberley Community Center at 4000 Middlefield Rd. In open session it will receive student and superintendent reports, an update on Spring 2024 CAASPP assessment results, and progress on HVAC system upgrades. Afterwards the board will approve the consent calendar, which includes minutes from prior meetings and the 2024‑25 school site assignments.

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✓ Decided: Board approves $29.6M lease amendment for Hoover Elementary replacement

The Board approved a lease amendment for the Hoover Elementary School Replacement Campus Project and voted to increase the Basic Aid Reserve to 13%. Additionally, the Board approved a consent calendar covering personnel items, warrants, and various contracts.

Thu Aug 15, 2024

CANCELED: City/School Liaison Committee Meeting

City/School Liaison Committee meeting canceled

The City/School Liaison Committee meeting scheduled for August 15, 2024, has been canceled. The agenda included items such as public comment opportunities, approval of minutes, updates from the district and city, and discussions on youth mental health.

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Mon Aug 12, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

Property Committee meets to review construction and leases

The Property Committee will meet to discuss current construction projects and future review items. Staff will present updates on HVAC installations and request authorization for amendments to the Hoover Elementary School replacement campus lease.

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Tue Jul 30, 2024

Special Board Meeting

Palo Alto school board holds special meeting with closed session

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education will convene a special meeting to conduct closed session business and reconvene in open session to report on any actions taken. The meeting will be held in person at the District Office and via teleconference.

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✓ Decided: Palo Alto Unified School District Board took no reportable action

The Board of Education held a special meeting that included a closed session regarding employee discipline, dismissal, release, or reassignment. No reportable action was taken during the session.

Tue Jun 18, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Board to approve MOUs with MVLA and Sequoia, totaling $284,716 in revenue

The June 18, 2024 regular board meeting will consider routine consent items such as approval of minutes, personnel items, and May warrants. Board members will also review and vote on Memorandums of Understanding with Mountain View Los Altos and Sequoia Union High School districts for the Alternative Program at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs and an extended school year summer program. The MOUs are expected to generate $188,079.29 from MVLA, $78,366.37 from Sequoia, and $18,269.96 from MVLA ESY. Closed session topics include employee performance, litigation, liability claims, and student discipline.

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✓ Decided: Board adopts 2024-25 budget and approves structural deficit resolution

The Board of Education adopted the 2024-25 budget and approved a resolution to address the district's structural deficit. Other key actions included approving the 2024-27 Local Accountability and Control Plan and authorizing several facility contracts.

Fri Jun 7, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

Property committee reviews 17 items for June 18 board meeting

The Property Committee will discuss and make recommendations on 17 items proposed for the June 18 Board of Education meeting, including approval of an RFQ for master planning consultants, authorization to award contracts for demolition at Greene Middle School and HVAC installation at multiple elementary schools, and other projects. The committee will also review current construction projects and sample master plans.

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Tue Jun 4, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

PAUSD Board to discuss real property at Cubberley Community Center

The Board of Education will meet to conduct a closed session and receive reports on district equity initiatives. The meeting includes a report on equity efforts at Palo Verde Elementary School and recognition of the Equity and Excellence Alliance.

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✓ Decided: Board approves HVAC equipment and school calendar updates

The Board approved a $198,293 contract for HVAC equipment at seven elementary schools and expanded the scope of work for the J.L. Stanford Middle School project. A consent calendar was passed including school calendars through 2028 and various textbook adoptions. Public hearings were held regarding the 2024-27 LCAP and the proposed 2024-25 budget.

Tue May 28, 2024

Fiscal Advisory Committee Meeting

Virtual Fiscal Advisory Committee meeting scheduled, agenda lists no items

The Palo Alto Unified School District Fiscal Advisory Committee will meet virtually via Zoom on May 28, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The agenda file attached contains no specific agenda items or decisions.

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Tue May 28, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

Property Committee reviews multiple construction contracts and project approvals

The Palo Alto Unified School District Property Committee will consider authorizations for several construction and program‑management contracts, including TELACU Construction Management and Cumming Group. The committee will also approve additional scope and change‑order contingency for the J.L. Stanford Administration and Library project, and discuss current construction projects, property leases, and future agenda items. Minutes from the May 13, 2024 meeting will be approved.

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Thu May 23, 2024

Board Policy Review Committee

Committee reviews updates to school safety, employee, and religious recognition policies

The Board Policy Review Committee is reviewing several policy updates related to state law changes. These include new requirements for student disability adaptations in safety plans, workplace violence prevention, and updated guidance on religious expression.

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✓ Decided: Committee advances six board policy updates and one deletion to the Board

The Board Policy Review Committee agreed to move several policies regarding safety, employee guidance, and religious beliefs forward for Board approval. The committee also recommended the deletion of the Gifted and Talented Student Program policy. Members discussed upcoming Title IX compliance deadlines.

Thu May 23, 2024

Board Equity Oversight Committee Meeting

Board Equity Oversight Committee to review draft SWIFT Plan

The Board Equity Oversight Committee will meet to approve minutes from a previous meeting and discuss the draft SWIFT Plan for the 2024-25 school year. The meeting will be held in-person at the District Office.

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Wed May 22, 2024

Bond Citizens' Oversight Committee Meeting

Bond committee to review Measure A and Z project progress

The Palo Alto Unified School District Bond Citizens' Oversight Committee will receive staff updates on the status and timelines of Measure A and Measure Z bond projects, approve minutes from the February 2024 meeting, review membership changes as two members term out in June, and conduct a site visit of the nearly completed MP building at Gunn High School.

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Tue May 21, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

PAUSD board to approve personnel and policy resolutions

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education will hold a regular meeting to approve routine personnel items, a resolution designating a Chief Technology Officer as senior management, and an amended conflict of interest code. The meeting includes closed session discussions on litigation and employee matters.

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✓ Decided: Board approves general election resolution and several facility contracts

The Board approved Resolution No. 2023-24.15 to call for a general election on November 5, 2024. It also authorized multiple contracts for school facility improvements and approved salary schedules and labor negotiations. Additionally, the Board approved a satisfactory evaluation for the superintendent.

Thu May 16, 2024

CANCELED: City/School Liaison Committee Meeting

City/School Liaison Committee meeting scheduled for May 16, 2024 was canceled

The City/School Liaison Committee had planned to hold a meeting on May 16, 2024, both in person at 250 Hamilton Ave and via Zoom. The agenda included call to order, public comment, approval of minutes, updates from the school district and city, and discussion on youth mental health and future meetings. However, the meeting was canceled, so no decisions or discussions took place.

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Mon May 13, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

Property Committee to recommend multiple contracts for Board approval

The Property Committee will review and make recommendations on several contracts and authorizations for the May 21 Board of Education meeting. Items include program management services, audio-visual improvements at Gunn High School, and construction projects at Greene Middle School, Palo Alto High School, and Nixon Elementary School. The committee will also discuss current construction projects and future property committee review items, including PAUSD property leases.

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✓ Decided: Property Committee approves minutes and reviews upcoming school facility projects

The committee approved the meeting minutes and reviewed several items slated for the March 26 Board of Education meeting. These include playground replacements, electrical upgrades, and a list of summer maintenance projects across multiple district sites.

Thu Apr 25, 2024

Board Policy Review Committee

PAUSD committee reviews updates to staff recruitment and health education policies

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board Policy Review Committee will review proposed updates to staff recruitment, bargaining units, and health education policies. The committee will also discuss religious beliefs and ceremonies. No formal votes are scheduled.

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✓ Decided: Committee advances several board policies for approval

The Board Policy Review Committee agreed to move policies regarding recruitment, bargaining units, health education, and ceremonies forward to the Board. One policy on religious beliefs was returned for further discussion.

Tue Apr 23, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Board receives update on 231 Grant staff housing project construction progress

The board will hear staff reports on the 231 Grant housing project (29 units, $1.45 million), a mental health initiatives update (over $10 million invested), and an equity update for Nixon Elementary. All three items are for information only, with no action required. The board will also hold a closed session for personnel evaluations, legal counsel on existing and anticipated litigation, and labor negotiations.

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✓ Decided: Board approves $9M lease amendment for Hoover Elementary replacement project

The Board of Education approved several high-value construction and facility contracts, including a lease amendment for the Hoover Elementary School replacement project and HVAC contracts for JLS Middle School. The Board also approved the 2024-25 budget assumptions and settled a contractor dispute for $220,483.40.

Thu Apr 18, 2024

CANCELED: City/School Liaison Committee Meeting

City/School Liaison Committee meeting canceled

The City/School Liaison Committee meeting scheduled for April 18, 2024, has been canceled. The agenda included procedural items such as the approval of the agenda order and the review of minutes.

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✓ Decided: City/School Liaison Committee approves March meeting minutes

The committee met to receive updates from the Palo Alto Unified School District and the City of Palo Alto. The only formal action taken was the approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

Mon Apr 15, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

Palo Alto school board to review construction projects and leases

The Property Committee will approve minutes from March and discuss future construction projects, including the Hoover Elementary replacement campus and the Greene Middle School transformation.

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Thu Mar 28, 2024

Board Policy Review Committee

Review of academic honesty, student assessment, and new American Indian education policies

The Board Policy Review Committee will review and discuss several board policies, including updates to Academic Honesty (BP 5131.9) for artificial intelligence, a new Student Assessment policy (BP 6162.5), and a new policy for American Indian Students (BP 6173.4). The committee will also consider revisions to policies on English Learners (BP 6174) and Supplemental Instructional Materials (BP 6161.11), and approve minutes from the February 22 meeting.

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✓ Decided: Committee advances four board policies for approval, including academic honesty and AI

The Board Policy Review Committee approved moving policies on academic honesty, student assessment, English learner education, and supplemental instructional materials forward to the Board. One policy regarding American Indian students was returned for further discussion. The committee also approved the February 22, 2024, minutes.

Tue Mar 26, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Board to accept Strong Schools Bonds audits, hear equity and ethnic studies reports

The Board will consider accepting the 2022-23 annual financial and performance audits for Measure A and Measure Z bonds. They will also receive informational updates on equity initiatives at Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School and progress on aligning the Ethnic Studies course with state requirements. The meeting includes closed session discussions on labor negotiations, property negotiations regarding Cubberley Community Center, and other confidential matters.

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✓ Decided: Board approves lease extension for Athena Academy

The Board approved a lease renewal for Athena Academy and authorized the non-reelection of one probationary certificated employee. Several routine personnel, transportation, and purchasing items were approved via the consent calendar.

Thu Mar 21, 2024

City/School Liaison Committee Meeting

Palo Alto school-city committee discusses youth mental health

The City/School Liaison Committee will meet to review minutes, receive updates from both entities, and discuss joint efforts regarding youth mental health. Public comment is available in person and via Zoom.

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✓ Decided: City/School Liaison Committee approves February meeting minutes

The committee approved the minutes from the February 15, 2024, meeting. Members from the Palo Alto Unified School District and the City of Palo Alto provided updates and discussed youth mental health and future business.

Mon Mar 18, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

PAUSD Property Committee to review construction projects and future meetings

The Palo Alto Unified School District Property Committee will meet to approve minutes from a previous meeting and discuss current construction projects. The agenda also includes a review of future meeting schedules and items for the upcoming Board of Education meeting.

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Tue Mar 12, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Board to hear equity update, annual report, and special education report

This meeting is largely informational, with no action items on the open-session agenda. The board will receive a PAUSD Promise equity update from Fairmeadow Elementary, the district's annual report for 2023-24, and a special education progress report. A closed session is scheduled to discuss real property negotiations for Cubberley Community Center and labor negotiations with employee organizations.

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✓ Decided: Board approves $2.5M fire alarm contract for Palo Alto High School

The Board certified the district's financial stability through the second interim budget report and approved several facility contracts. It also authorized personnel actions and updated multiple board policies via a consent calendar.

Thu Mar 7, 2024

Fiscal Advisory Committee Meeting

Fiscal Advisory Committee meets virtually on March 7, 2024

The Fiscal Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting on March 7, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. No physical meeting place is provided, and the public can access the session via internet or telephone.

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Mon Mar 4, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

Property Committee to review contract award for Paly fire alarm and bond audits

The Property Committee will review and discuss upcoming items for the March 12 Board of Education meeting, including authorizations for the Palo Alto High School fire alarm project, an addendum to LPA Architects, financial audits of Strong Schools Bonds, and a lease amendment for Hoover Elementary replacement campus. The committee will also discuss change order processes, budget review, a solar PPA buyout, historical bond spending, and current construction projects. They will approve the February 20, 2024 minutes and schedule future meetings.

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Thu Feb 29, 2024

Board Equity Oversight Committee Meeting

Board Equity Oversight Committee reviews SWIFT data and plan

The Board Equity Oversight Committee will meet to review SWIFT data, discuss expanding the SWIFT focus, and consider revisions to the SWIFT plan. The meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on February 29, 2024, at the District Office.

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✓ Decided: Board Equity Oversight Committee approves November 2023 meeting minutes

The committee approved the minutes from November 28, 2023. Members discussed SWIFT data regarding student disabilities, chronic absenteeism, and suspension rates among students of color. No other formal actions were decided.

Tue Feb 27, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Board to discuss equity updates and LCAP mid-year progress

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board will meet to discuss equity updates for El Carmelo Elementary and review the mid-year progress of the Local Control and Accountability Plan. The meeting includes closed session discussions on employee matters and property negotiations.

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✓ Decided: Board approves consent calendar and personnel action

The Board approved a consent calendar including personnel items, purchase orders, and construction management services. In a closed session action, the Board voted to release and reassign one certificated administrative employee.

Thu Feb 22, 2024

Board Policy Review Committee

Reviewing updates to district policies on political processes, asset management, and food services to comply with new state laws

The Board Policy Review Committee will discuss and recommend updates to several board policies and a board bylaw to align with recent California legislation. Items include BP 1160 (political processes), BP 3400 (asset/account management), BP 3551 (food service operations), and BB 9005 (governance standards). The committee will also approve minutes from January and prioritize future policy reviews.

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✓ Decided: Committee advances three board policies for approval

The Board Policy Review Committee agreed to move policies regarding political processes, district account management, and food service operations to the Board for approval. The committee also discussed governance standards and decided to provide further guidance to the Board regarding whether certain protocols should be codified as policy.

Tue Feb 20, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

Property Committee reviews bond spending, school projects, and budget increases

The Property Committee will discuss and recommend action on several facility and bond-related items, including authorizing a lease amendment for the Hoover Elementary replacement campus, increasing budgets for the Palo Alto High School Tower renovation and Escondido Elementary construction management, and reviewing the annual Strong Schools Bond financial and performance audits. The committee will also review the solar PPA buyout, historical bond spending, and current construction projects.

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✓ Decided: Property Committee pulls two items from upcoming Board of Education agenda

The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and reviewed several items for the February 27 Board of Education meeting. Two items regarding school project budgets and leases were pulled from the agenda pending further review and documentation.

Thu Feb 15, 2024

City/School Liaison Committee Meeting

Liaison committee to select new chair, review minutes

The City/School Liaison Committee will hold a routine meeting with procedural items including selection of a new committee chair, approval of minutes from December 2023, and updates from the school district and city. Public comment is accepted via Zoom or in person.

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✓ Decided: City/School Liaison Committee appoints Todd Collins as Chair

The committee appointed a new chair and approved the minutes from the December 14, 2023, meeting. Members from the City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto Unified School District provided updates. No other substantive actions were taken.

Tue Feb 13, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Board to discuss equity updates and reading initiative progress

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board will convene for a regular meeting featuring reports on the PAUSD Promise equity initiatives and the Every Student Reads Initiative. The agenda includes a closed session to discuss personnel and legal matters before reconvening for open session.

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✓ Decided: Board approves $495,000 in legal settlements for two student cases

The Board unanimously approved two separate settlement agreements of $247,500 each to resolve claims against the district. Additionally, the Board approved a consent calendar covering personnel items, purchase orders, and several board policy updates.

Thu Feb 8, 2024

Bond Citizens' Oversight Committee Meeting

Committee to review draft audits and bond project progress

The Bond Citizens' Oversight Committee will review draft financial and performance audits from the district's bond auditor, Eide Bailly, and receive updates on Measure A and Measure Z bond project progress. The committee will also tour flex classrooms and the MP/Admin building under construction, and discuss the draft annual report to the Board of Education.

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Mon Feb 5, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

PAUSD Property Committee to review construction projects and budget

The Palo Alto Unified School District Property Committee will meet to approve minutes from January 8, 2024, and discuss upcoming items for the Board of Education meeting on February 13, including an addendum for El Carmelo Elementary School and contracts for the Fletcher Middle School pool replacement.

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Fri Jan 26, 2024

Board Policy Review Committee

BPRC to review nondiscrimination policy update per new state law

The Board Policy Review Committee will discuss and potentially recommend updates to five board policies, most notably BP 0410 Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities to comply with AB 1078 (2023) and new OCR guidance. Other policies under review include differential graduation standards for students with disabilities, accountability, waivers, and intervention in underperforming schools. The committee will also approve minutes from the December 15, 2023 meeting.

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Tue Jan 16, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Palo Alto school board holds regular meeting with equity updates

The Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education will hold a regular meeting with closed session and open session. The agenda includes reports on equity initiatives at Juana Briones Elementary School and updates on the PAUSD Middle College High School program.

school-boardequitymiddle-collegepublic-commentclosed-sessionjuana-brionespausd
✓ Decided: Board awards $4.66M contract for Fletcher Middle School pool replacement

The Board approved several facility contracts, including a pool replacement and a change order contingency increase. It also approved the consent calendar and a specific job description for a civil rights and legal affairs coordinator.

Mon Jan 8, 2024

Property Committee Meeting

Property Committee reviews capital projects for Jan 16 board meeting

The Property Committee will review and recommend a slate of capital projects for the January 16 Board of Education meeting, including authorizations to bid and purchase equipment, award contracts, and approve change orders. The committee will also approve minutes from December 4, 2023, and discuss ongoing construction projects and future review items.

palo-alto-unifiedproperty-committeeschool-facilitiescapital-projectscontractsbiddingplaygroundshvac
✓ Decided: Property Committee reviews contracts for school projects ahead of Board meeting

The committee reviewed several contract awards and budget increases for upcoming Board of Education approval, including a $4 million budget increase for J.L. Stanford Middle School. The committee also noted the termination of the Greene MS project with Sausal Construction.