Palo Alto Unified School District Faces $33 Million Budget Cuts, Layoffs Possible
The Palo Alto Unified School District is confronting a significant financial challenge, with $33 million in budget cuts projected for the upcoming school year. This dire situation has led to discussions about potential layoffs, as stated by board member Shounak Dharap, who acknowledged that the district will likely have to "fire people." New Superintendent Jason Glass emphasized that addressing these budget cuts is the board's most critical task for the next two years. He anticipates public backlash, including accusations of district bloat, but maintains that the deficit is too substantial to avoid cutting "terrific" programs, services, and employees. The district plans to explore alternatives to layoffs, such as not filling vacant positions and reassigning current employees. Cuts have already begun at the district office, with Glass opting not to fill some administrative roles. The board is also considering a second attempt to renew the district's parcel tax, which failed in the June 2 election, to help m... 
