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Palo Alto Unified approves 2025–26 budget assumptions and Measure Z tax-rate request; adds TK capacity and a sustainability placeholder
Summary
The board approved 2025–26 budget assumptions that include roughly $3.9 million in investments (three new TK classrooms, expanded elementary library staff, two elementary special-education teachers, and compensation adjustments) and unanimously approved a Measure Z tax-rate resolution asking the county to set the levy at $60 per $100,000 of assessed value. The budget assumptions also include a placeholder for a district sustainability position (budgeted at about $200,000) that drew public debate over whether it should be a manager or a technician.
At its April 21 meeting the Palo Alto Unified School District Board approved final budget assumptions for fiscal year 2025–26 and separately authorized staff to ask Santa Clara County to establish a Measure Z tax rate ahead of bonds expected to be sold in the coming year.
Finance staff explained that adopting the tax levy now will help maintain a stable tax rate for bond repayment; the board approved Resolution 2024-25.15 authorizing the county to levy taxes related to Measure Z bonds at $60 per $100,000 of assessed value. The motion passed on a roll-call with no recorded opposition.
On the budget assumptions, staff presented approximately $3.9 million in proposed investments: converting space for three additional transitional-kindergarten (TK) classrooms (with three teachers and three aides), making elementary librarians full-time and adding three instructional aides, adding two new elementary special-education teachers to address caseload pressures, and a compensation package that staff estimated would increase employee salary costs by about 1.5%. Staff also proposed a new sustainability role and described a range of operational investments (roving substitute positions and other supports).
Staff noted Palo Alto USD is a basic-aid district and therefore does not automatically receive state TK funding; the district must weigh trade-offs among staffing, program expansions and compensation. Trustees asked staff to adopt a conservative approach at the assumption stage while preserving the potential for future expansion. The board approved the budget assumptions with the understanding that the three new TK classrooms will define the district—s TK capacity for 2025–26; the final adopted budget will return to the board in June.
Public speakers urged the district to budget for a sustainability manager rather than a lower-level technician, arguing a manager-level hire would coordinate cross-departmental sustainability work, pursue grants and provide districtwide leadership. Student and community speakers also urged that TK remain inclusive of students with disabilities and that expansion plans reflect that mandate.
Next steps: staff will finalize the detailed budget based on these assumptions and return a proposed adopted budget for board approval in June. The district also scheduled a special board meeting next week to discuss the PAUSD Promise and related priorities.
