Christopher Bell

This document outlines the proposal for renewing the expiring local parcel tax for the Palo Alto Unified School District. The renewal measure, intended for the June 2, 2026 ballot, aims to continue providing approximately $14.5 million annually in locally controlled funding at a reduced tax rate for four years. The funds are earmarked to support critical programs such as preparing students for college and careers, updating instructional materials, supporting at-risk students, attracting and retaining qualified teachers, maintaining reading, writing, and language programs, continuing advanced STEM programs, and maintaining manageable class sizes. The plan emphasizes fiscal accountability through local control, independent oversight, annual audits, and an exemption for homeowners aged 65+, with no funds allocated for administrators' salaries, benefits, or pensions.

This document details the Palo Alto Unified School District's proposal for a parcel tax renewal measure, scheduled for the June 2026 ballot. The measure seeks to renew local school funding for four years at a reduced annual rate of $800 per parcel, commencing after the current funding expires in 2027. Key objectives include attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers, maintaining academic programs (reading, writing, language, STEM), preserving manageable class sizes, preparing students for college and careers, updating instructional materials, and supporting at-risk students. The proposal ensures fiscal accountability through local control, independent citizens' oversight, annual audits, and includes exemptions for seniors and low-income homeowners with disabilities, with a clear stipulation that funds cannot be used for administrators' salaries, benefits, or pensions.

The meeting focused on several key aspects of Career Technical Education (CTE). Discussions included updates on classroom initiatives, such as the launch of two Innovation Centers for elementary students and the expansion of Dual Enrollment opportunities, which currently serve 342 students across seven high school courses articulated to Foothill courses. Key components of the CTE 2022-23 Plan were reviewed, covering equity, access to pre-apprenticeships/internships, student activities, professional development for teachers, and accountability via data analysis. Feedback sessions centered on clarifying outreach, connecting opportunities to post-secondary options and real-world benefits, early exposure to careers, and increasing diversity on the Advisory board. Pathway updates detailed that PAUSD offers courses in 19 pathways across 10 industry sectors, with over 250 seniors completing pathway requirements in 2021-22, and over 60 students qualifying for certifications. Future plans included a four-part series for families called "Pathways to the Future" and enhancing the visibility of the Celebratory Showcase.

The CTE Advisory meeting covered several areas, including an overview of K-12 CTE context supported by Perkins V and CA Master Plan funding. Key celebrations included a successful career-themed pathways showcase at Gunn High School and commendations for NAF certification achievements and student awards (Gunn Robotics and Paly Journalism). Discussions focused on expanding NAF pathway opportunities into Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA). The AI NOW! initiative's progress in increasing educator AI literacy was noted, alongside planning for the launch of the Makery & AI Tinquiry spaces to foster creativity and provide equitable access to AI tools. Over 60 students earned certifications, and the Summer Work Program for IEP students is on track to serve approximately 43-50 students, with ongoing efforts to secure more internships for students with special needs. Grant funding priorities across Perkins, CTEIG, GSPP, and CCAP were reviewed to support pathway needs, AI integration, and dual enrollment. The 2023-2026 PAUSD CTE Plan was discussed, emphasizing Generative AI literacy integration and fostering creativity. Industry partners provided input on how AI and automation will reshape core competencies, highlighting the necessity of teaching AI output verification, critical evaluation, digital ethics, and prompt engineering.

The meeting focused on reviewing data related to College & Career Preparedness indicators, noting a high overall preparedness level of 89.1% in 2025, with significant improvement for Long Term English Learner students. Discussions included a substantial projected increase in Dual Enrollment students for 2025-26, the issuance of over 200 Work Permits, and 346+ Student Certifications for 2024-25. Industry insight involved reviewing Silicon Valley labor market data and identifying strong regional workforce needs in CTE and STEM fields, including Health Services and Advanced Manufacturing. The group is exploring developing a Healthcare Pathway at the Cubberly site and highlighted the NAF AI for Career Connections curriculum. Regarding CTE priorities for 2023-2026, progress continues on integrating generative AI literacy and aligning with Visual and Performing Arts goals. Discussions also covered upcoming changes to State CTE standards, specifically related to the Arts, Entertainment and Design cluster, and planning for the next three-year CTE plan (2026-27 to 2028-29). Suggestions included inviting former students to participate in student panels.