Board ratifies acting superintendent agreement and waives two‑meeting rule

The Palo Alto Unified School District board voted June 2 to approve an acting superintendent agreement that provides retroactive pay and sets compensation at $500 per day. Trustees also voted to waive the board’s two‑meeting notice rule to ratify the agreement.

Board discussion noted the action was intended to formalize pay for the district’s acting superintendent, who will continue serving through July 1 and beyond if a permanent superintendent is not in place. A member of the public on Zoom reminded the board of its obligation under state law (Brown Act/ Gov. Code language referenced) to summarize financial terms of executive employment contracts before approval.

Trustees publicly thanked the acting superintendent for "going above and beyond," praising his collaborative, student‑centered approach and long hours. The motion to approve the contract and the waiver of the two‑meeting rule passed by recorded voice votes (the transcript records unanimous affirmative votes by trustees present). Trustees discussed that the waiver effectively ratified a prior implied approval and intended to make the retroactive payment formal.

The board recorded the motion, a second, and vocal affirmative votes; transcript notes multiple trustees expressing gratitude for the acting superintendent’s service and confirming he remains in the role until July 1 (or until a permanent superintendent is appointed).