A citizen was wondering what former Palo Alto School District Superintendent Don Austin has been up to as the district’s “superintendent emeritus,” so she filed a request under the California Public Records Act and here’s what she got back.
Austin’s PAUSD settlement agreement and new job description, top of page 2 HERE
PRA response HERE
Austin, after eight years as superintendent, left the Palo Alto Unified School District following a “mutual agreement” with the Board of Education announced on Feb. 20, 2026. The agreement stopped Austin from suing the district. It called for him to serve as “Superintendent Emeritus” through June 30. He was paid $596,802 to step down.
Austin was hired by the Laguna Beach Unified School District last month to head up that school district. He will begin his new job on July 1, the first day he’s out as “superintendent emeritus” in Palo
Austin previously worked as principal of Laguna Beach High School from 2006 to 2011. His new district has about 2,500 students and an $89.9 million budget, compared to Palo Alto’s 10,000 students and $340.7 million budget.
What has Palo Alto’s former superintendent been up to since being paid to leave?
Sprucing up his San Clemente beach house and regaling Laguna Beach about his leadership skills all on the PAUSD dime. Another simple win for sure. Probably not long before Trent joins in the fun too.
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