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News, Notes & Votes, 5/26/26

Posted Date: 05/28/26 (01:09 PM)


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Superintendent's News

Superintendent Loftus shared updates on several end-of-year celebrations and student achievements taking place across the District, including a well-attended Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, multiple school Open Houses, annual talent shows at Glen Speck and Georgia Brown, and the Bearkitten Graduation ceremony.

Superintendent Loftus also highlighted events honoring graduating seniors, including the College Athlete Signing Ceremony, upcoming Senior Scholarship Night, and Senior Awards Night, where more than 260 students will be recognized for academic and athletic achievements.

Ms. Loftus also noted the District’s emerging opportunity to develop an integrated aerospace and space technician educational pipeline featuring pathways in robotics, aviation, artificial intelligence, and space technology aligned to regional workforce development efforts.
 
Five smiling students stand in front of a Cuesta College banner, each holding a certificate.
A group of young people stand proudly, wearing medals around their necks, in front of a table draped with a Lions Club banner.

Paso Robles High School Student Leadership Report

Leadership student Yahaira Vilchis-Gonzalez shared a wide-ranging update on the many activities, celebrations, and accomplishments taking place across campus as the school year comes to a close.

Highlights included Senior Destination Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, Open House, Club Expo Rewind, Battle of the Bands Week, and a variety of student-led events celebrating campus culture and community involvement.

Yahaira also spotlighted strong participation and success across athletics, Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways and dual enrollment programs, visual and performing arts, and student journalism. The presentation shared a vibrant spring semester filled with opportunities for students to connect, compete, create, and prepare for life beyond high school.
 
People gather outdoors in a school courtyard with trees and buildings.
Students gather in a sunny courtyard outside a school building with 'PRHS' signage.

Board Approves November 2026 Bond Election

The Board approved a resolution ordering a November 2026 bond election that would allow voters to consider funding future facility improvement projects across Paso Robles Joint Unified School District.

The presentation reviewed the District’s Facility Master Plan process, community feedback gathered through surveys and meetings, and proposed projects aligned to long-term student, safety, accessibility, and workforce development needs.

At Paso Robles High School, proposed projects include new Career Technical Education (CTE) classrooms designed to adapt to evolving industry demand, renovation of existing classrooms, construction of a new cafeteria and food service facility, expanded student support spaces for students with disabilities, modernization of athletic and physical education facilities, and renovation and expansion of the library. Additional proposed improvements include an event center capable of accommodating the entire student body, upgraded athletic fields, and improved parking and walkways.

Proposed projects for Liberty High School and Independence High School include expanded CTE education spaces, new classrooms, and modernization of restroom facilities with improved accessibility.

The presentation also outlined potential improvements at War Memorial Stadium and the Independent Skills Program campus, including accessible pathways and parking improvements, shaded outdoor learning areas, renovated bleachers and restrooms, upgraded athletic fields, improved drop-off and pickup areas, new training facilities, and expanded concession areas.

The presentation included many images depicting the current state of District facilities, and renderings of potential improvements. Readers can watch the presentation on YouTube, or see images of the potential projects in the News, Notes & Votes from 5/12/26.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Brad Pawlowski also highlighted major projects completed through Measure M, including the Glen Speck Elementary School rebuild, construction of Marie Bauer Early Education Center, construction of the PRHS Aquatics Center, classroom additions, playground upgrades, restroom renovations, and campus modernization projects districtwide.
 

Approval of CTE Public Safety Pathway Curriculum

The Board approved the recommended curriculum for Liberty High School's new Career Technical Education (CTE) Public Safety Pathway. The pathway is designed to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and career exploration connected to fields such as law enforcement, emergency response, and public safety services.
 

Proposed 2026-27 Financial Budget

The Board received an overview of the District’s proposed 2026-27 budget, including projected revenues, expenditures, and reserve levels for the coming school year.

Executive Director of Fiscal Services Sherrie Castellanos shared that the Administration and Board of Trustees have worked collaboratively to develop a comprehensive budget reduction plan that maintains the District’s structural balance. Based on current economic assumptions, the District projects it will meet all financial obligations for the current fiscal year and the following two fiscal years. The proposed budget will return to the Board for action on June 9, 2026.
 

Review of Summer Facilities Maintenance Projects

The Board received an overview of the Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation (MOT) projects planned for summer 2026 across PRJUSD campuses.

Director of Maintenance, Operations and Transportation Kelly Stainbrook shared that Summer projects include exterior painting, gym floor resurfacing, fencing, restroom and locker room remodels, and office improvements at Paso Robles High School, HVAC control upgrades at Lewis Flamson Junior High, marquee installation at Liberty/Independence, and the addition of musical garden equipment at several elementary campuses.

Additional projects include ceiling tile replacements, LED lighting conversions, classroom moves, and Facility Inspection Tool (FIT) repairs at multiple school sites.
 
A memorial plaque and emblems are displayed on a wall at a sports stadium, with a flagpole in front.

War Memorial Stadium Plaque Update

The Board received an update on the War Memorial Stadium monument project, including the development and installation progress of a new monument wall dedicated to the 12 Bearcats who lost their lives in World War II. The presentation included updated images of the monument site and ongoing work completed throughout spring 2026.
 
A young girl proudly holds a large American flag while surrounded by other children outdoors.

America’s 250-Year Semiquincentennial Celebrations

The Board received a presentation highlighting how PRJUSD schools are recognizing America’s upcoming 250th anniversary through campus celebrations, civic learning, and cross-curricular activities.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Maggie Tatman shared that schools are incorporating patriotic assemblies, poetry, music, art projects, writing activities, and schoolwide celebrations focused on American history and civic pride. Secondary schools are engaging students through history-based classroom lessons, daily announcements, essay contests, and interdisciplinary projects connected to the nation’s founding, culture, and democratic principles.
 

LCAP Public Hearing and Annual Update

The Board received an overview of the District’s 2026-27 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), including updated student data, an overview of the LCAP budget, priorities, and planned investments aligned with student achievement, student wellness, staff support, and campus safety. The presentation reviewed data trends, stakeholder feedback, and actions designed to support the District’s strategic goals while continuing to improve outcomes for all students.
 
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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, June 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM In the District Board Room located at 800 Niblick, Paso Robles.