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Paso Robles Joint Unified School District

Every Student Valued, Empowered, and Ready to Thrive!

News, Notes & Votes, 12/9/2025

Posted Date: 12/10/25 (06:00 PM)
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Image of a newspaper that reads "News, Notes, and Votes"
 

Superintendent's News

Superintendent Loftus highlighted the busy and creative season across Paso Schools, noting how many opportunities there are this month to see students’ talents on display.

Paso High Theater Company
Ms. Loftus commended the Paso Robles High School Theatre Company for a strong opening weekend of Shakespeare in Love and encouraged community members to attend one of this weekend’s remaining shows. Click here for tickets.

PRHS Band and Choir Concert
The PRHS Band and Choir will join together for their winter concert on December 18 at the Templeton Performing Arts Center, their first time performing at the TPAC. Click here for tickets.

Three Piggy Opera, Singalongs
Ms. Loftus also spotlighted several upcoming elementary performances—including Pat Butler’s “Three Piggy Opera” on Friday, and the holiday Sing-Alongs at Winifred Pifer, Virginia Peterson and Glen Speck—as examples of the energy and creativity happening across campuses.
 

Board Reorganization for 2026

The Board of Trustees held its annual organizational meeting, electing Joel Peterson as Board President, Laurene McCoy as Board Secretary, adopting the 2026 meeting and governance calendar, and confirming liaison appointments to local committees and organizations.

Workshops and study sessions in 2026 will include Strategic Plan updates (April 18), governance training (October 17), and focused reviews on budget and student achievement.
 
Kermit King Elementary Teachers Frog Jog Image

Spotlight: Kermit King Elementary

Principal Lisa Shipman, Secretary Meghan Kirkish, and student leaders Aiden Fletcher, Kylan Moore, and Corbin Hart shared highlights from a vibrant fall semester at Kermit King.
  • PTA coordinated the annual Frog Jog which brought in over $12,000!
  • Students were taught LEAP expectations (Leaders Encourage each other, Act responsibly, Positive attitude), and these expectations are celebrated with weekly LEAP ticket drawings, spirit days, and PTA-led events.
Coming Up at Kermit King: Reindeer Games, Talent Show, and Random Acts of Kindness Week.
 

Honoring History: War Memorial Project

Former PRJUSD Director of Student Services Thomas Harrington presented an update on a community-led effort to honor 12 Bearcats lost in World War II with a memorial installation and plaque at War Memorial Stadium. The committee includes Thomas Harrington, Curt Dubost, Ray Dauth, Dave Lambert, Gene Miller, Mark Perry and Kelly Stainbrook. They are collaborating with the District and landscape architects to finalize plans.
 

Measure M Projects: Progress and Next Steps

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Brad Pawlowski reported on several Measure M–funded facility improvements approved by the Board of Trustees.

Georgia Brown Dual Immersion
The Board approved the contract award to Pre Con Industries, Inc. for the Phase 3 Modernization Project, which includes six new TK/K classrooms, a dedicated restroom building, and a new playground. Phase 2—the additional playground—is already under construction.

Save The Date: Aquatics Center Ribbon Cutting
Superintendent Loftus reported that the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Aquatics Center will be held on March 6, 2026. Details to come.

Measure M Balance & Next Steps
After in-progress Measure M projects are completed, the balance of Measure M funds is projected to be approximately $ 5,433,569.00. The Board will revisit the Measure M priorities list and decide which of the remaining projects can be completed with the balance of Measure M funds.
 

Community Generosity

The Board accepted several notable donations totaling more than $18,000, including:
  • $10,000 from Target’s Simple Generosity program, directed by Misty Sullivan, to support PRHS Band, Football, and Wrestling.
  • $2,000 from Charities Aid Foundation to Pat Butler Elementary.
  • $4,800 in materials for the Marie Bauer Lending Library, donated by the family of Jen Lagos.
  • $1,000 from AgWest Farm Credit to support FFA programs.
 

Fiscal Update: First Interim Report

Director Sherrie Castellanos presented the District’s First Interim Financial Report, reflecting a positive certification, meaning PRJUSD can meet all financial obligations for the current and two subsequent years.
  • 2025–26 shows a projected deficit primarily from one-time expenditures and planned fund transfers.
  • Enrollment remains steady at 6,267 students with 93% ADA.
  • Fiscal stabilization planning and staff alignment reviews will continue during the March board workshop.
  • Budget reductions of approximately $1.5-2 million dollars will be needed when planning the 2026-2027 school year budget.
 

New Kindergarten Restroom Approved at Pat Butler

The Board approved a design proposal with Gary Gery Architects for a new kindergarten restroom building. The addition will improve accessibility and eliminate the need for students to pass through existing classrooms to reach restrooms. This project is being funded by developer fees, and will proceed according to the following estimated timeline:
  • Design Period: Jan-May 2026
  • Submit Plans to DSA: May 2026
  • DSA Approval: End of Aug 2026
  • Bidding Period: Sept - Oct 2026
  • Construction Start: Nov 2026
  • Construction Complete: June 2027
 

Approval of Transfer Between Funds

The Board approved a resolution to transfer funds to a special reserve as a one-time transaction for the purpose of setting aside funds needed to replace aging district vehicles.
 

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📰 Read the inaugural issue of Paso Proud in English HERE, or in Spanish HERE
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This communication provides a few highlights of the meeting, not an exhaustive recap or 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, November 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM In the District Board Room located at 800 Niblick, Paso Robles.