Superintendent Loftus highlighted the inaugural Education Pathway Celebration at Cuesta College North County Campus, where 34 PRHS seniors who completed the Child Development and Education dual enrollment pathway were honored for their completion of the CTE Education Pathway, and became eligible for Assistant Teacher permits, even before they've graduated from high school. Ms. Loftus specifically praised educator Brenda Matthysse for her years of work developing and championing the program.
She also commended Lewis Flamson Junior High staff and students for a successful Career Day event that connected students with local professionals and career pathways, noting students were organized, engaged and represented the district well.
Additional highlights included recognition of the district’s Employee of the Year celebration, appreciation for PTOs, PTAs and Bearcat Boosters following the districtwide Spring Fling event, and congratulations to the PRHS Stunt Team on an outstanding season that included an undefeated league championship, a CIF runner-up finish and a semifinal appearance at the state championships.
Ms. Loftus also encouraged the community to attend the upcoming “Big Spring Show” concert featuring PRHS Jazz and Concert Bands, and Forte Choir, and noted that the district is entering a busy season of open houses, performances and end-of-year celebrations across campuses.
The Big Spring Show is tonight, Friday, May 15 at 6:00 and 8:00 pm.
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Glen Speck Elementary Principal Stephenie Walker, Community School Coordinator Irma Vega-Moreno, and leadership students Logan, Grecia, and Isaac shared highlights from the school’s continued focus on collaborative leadership, positive school climate and strong family engagement.
The presentation highlighted community events such as Agriculture Day, Adopt a Bobcat and Thanksgiving basket drives, along with student enrichment opportunities including Folklórico dance, garden learning, field trips, literacy nights and STEAM activities. Staff also emphasized the school’s growing partnerships with families and community organizations, as well as upcoming events including Open House on May 27 and PRHS Graduation Walks on June 3.
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The Board approved a proposal to replace aging classroom desks and chairs for grades 4–6 using one-time funding sources. Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Brad Pawlowski shared that the updated furniture is designed to support more flexible classroom layouts, collaborative learning and improved durability. Existing furniture still in good condition will be redistributed to lower grade levels, while outdated furniture that no longer meets safety or durability standards will be retired.
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The Board approved a resolution recognizing Opening Doors for Youth as a partnering community-based organization. Opening Doors for Youth provides mentorship and support for Paso Robles High School students, helping connect students—particularly aspiring first-generation students—with educational opportunities and guidance. The agreement formalizes the partnership through a memorandum of understanding and ensures volunteers are appropriately screened and covered under district insurance protocols.
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The Board approved a resolution recognizing Memorial Day 2026 and honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who lost their lives in military service to the nation. The resolution serves as the district’s annual observance of Memorial Day and encourages reflection and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
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The Board approved a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast to operate Lewis Flamson Junior High’s afterschool program for the 2026-27 school year. The free program will serve junior high students after school each day until 6 p.m. and include homework support, snacks and enrichment opportunities such as robotics, photography, cooking, digital media and intramural sports. Director of Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs Kim Gaspar noted the program may expand if additional grant funding is awarded this summer.
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The Board approved the replacement of 125 teacher Chromebooks at Paso Robles High School as part of an ongoing technology refresh effort. Chief Technology Officer Scott Buller reported that approximately 85 percent of the current teacher Chromebook fleet is now 6-7 years old. The updated dual-purpose tablet/laptop devices are intended to improve classroom flexibility and support upcoming audio/video classroom technology upgrades at PRHS.
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The Board received the district’s quarterly enrollment report, which included discussion of broader statewide enrollment trends and their long-term impact on public education. Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Brad Pawlowski noted that California’s K-12 public school enrollment has declined for eight consecutive years, dropping from approximately 6.2 million students in 2014-15 to about 5.8 million in 2024-25, with projections showing continued declines in the coming years.
At the same time, districts are seeing an increasing percentage of students identified with disabilities, creating additional demands for staffing, student services, facilities and district budgets. Mr. Pawlowski emphasized that these shifting trends have significant implications for future planning and resource allocation.
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The Board reviewed draft materials related to a potential November 2026 school bond measure, including proposed ballot language, legal documents and timelines required to place the measure before voters. District staff shared a recap of previous facilities planning discussions and polling research conducted earlier this year, with final bond language expected to return to the Board later this month as an action item ahead of the county filing deadline in June.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Brad Pawlowski shared a recap of previous facilities planning discussions and polling research conducted earlier this year, with final bond language expected to return to the Board later this month as an action item ahead of the county filing deadline in June.
As part of the presentation, Mr. Pawlowski outlined feedback gathered through facility assessments, community surveys, staff meetings and board discussions regarding future campus improvement priorities. At Paso Robles High School, areas identified for potential future investment included Career Technical Education (CTE) facilities, special education spaces, indoor student commons, exterior lighting, ventilation improvements, flooring replacement, additional shade structures and updated outdoor learning spaces. (Selected renderings of potential projects are included below.)
The presentation also highlighted major facility investments already completed through Measure M, including the Glen Speck Elementary rebuild, the PRHS Aquatic Complex, the Marie Bauer Early Childhood Center, classroom expansions at Lewis Flamson Junior High and multiple TK, classroom modernization and playground projects across the district. Mr. Pawlowski emphasized the district’s continued focus on long-term facility planning and modernization efforts districtwide.
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Currently there is no place for Advanced Manufacturing on PRHS' campus. This is a rendering of what an Advanced Manufacturing CTE class could look like. |
Potential New PRHS Cafeteria |
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Potential New PRHS Event Center |
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War Memorial Stands Today |
Potential New War Memorial Stands |
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The Board received a first reading on the proposed Farm to School Coordinator position. According to district staff, the position would support TK-12 students by strengthening connections to local agriculture, promoting healthy eating habits and coordinating farm-to-school initiatives across campuses and afterschool programs. The coordinator would work collaboratively with nutrition services, teachers, administrators, students and local agricultural partners.
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The Board approved the adoption of a new secondary science curriculum aligned with California’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). After a yearlong review and pilot process involving teachers and instructional staff, the district selected the Savvas curriculum for Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses. Staff cited stronger support for multilingual learners, improved hands-on learning opportunities, clearer instructional sequencing and more effective differentiation for students with varying learning needs.
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The Board approved acceptance of community donations supporting district programs and events, including:
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Charities Aid Foundation is donating $1,500 in support of Virginia Peterson Elementary.
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Sabor Sazon donated meals valued at $950 in support of the Family Wellness Night at Lewis Flamson Junior High.
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Castoro Winery donated product valued $240 in support of the Employee of the Year staff recognition event.
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Proof and Gather Baking Company donated large batches of cookies valued at $150 in support of the Family Wellness Night at Lewis Flamson Junior High.
Total value of donations accepted: $2,840
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NN&V is a highlights-based recap of Paso Schools Board meetings, designed to keep families, staff and the community connected and informed regarding the work of the Board of Trustees.
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NN&V is a highlights-based recap of PRJUSD Board meetings, not a complete list of all actions taken or items discussed. Meeting minutes will be available at this link after approval by the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
You're invited to attend the next meeting of the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM In the District Board Room located at 800 Niblick, Paso Robles.
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