Board appoints second acting superintendent this month

Navya Narayanan and Juni Thurston

March 19, 2026

An empty chair in the school board meeting room will be temporarily filled by Herb Espiritu, director of certificated human services, who on Thursday afternoon was promoted to acting superintendent of the Palo Alto Unified School District. Espiritu is the second person to hold that position within a month following two high profile superintendent departures. Superintendent Don Austin “separated” from the district Feb. 20, and his successor, acting Superintendent Trent Bahadursingh, met a similar fate on Tuesday.

At a special meeting Thursday, the Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Herb Espiritu, the district’s director of certificated human resources, as acting superintendent of Palo Alto Unified School District through April 21 while officials move forward with an urgent search for a permanent replacement.

Thursday afternoon, Shounak Dharap, president of the school board, said he spoke with union leaders after the Board appointed Espiritu as acting superintendent, and they expressed confidence that Espiritu will lead the district effectively.

“I spoke with the presidents of the teachers’ union (PAEA) and the classified staff union (CSEA) shortly after the Board took action, and both expressed deep admiration and respect for Mr. Espiritu,” Dharap stated in an email. “The Board is confident Mr. Espiritu will ably steward the District while the Board moves quickly to search for an interim superintendent and more permanent leadership for the district.”

Three superintendent search firms are set to present at a March 30 special meeting at 6:30 p.m, where the Board will choose a firm to move forward with in the superintendent selection process.

About the Contributors

Navya Narayanan, News Editor, Webmaster

Navya Narayanan (Class of 2027) joined The Voice her sophomore year. Outside of journalism, she enjoys listening to music, discovering new shows and spending time with her two dogs.

Juni Thurston, Reporter

Juni Thurston (Class of 2027) joined The Paly Voice in her sophomore year. In her free time, she enjoys producing music, playing drums, and hanging out with friends.