Superintendent Loftus shared a look at the lively weeks ahead, filled with opportunities for students, families, and staff to connect and celebrate. Highlights include the upcoming 805 Games (formerly known as the Special Olympics) at Cuesta College and the District’s first-ever Spring Festival at PRHS on Saturday, May 2—an evening of games, a movie under the stars, and plenty of fun (including a dunk tank!).
Open House season is just around the corner, along with student performances like Lewis Flamson Junior High’s spring play. Families and the community are also invited to attend the next Coffee with the Superintendent (May 8) to stay connected and engaged.
Ms. Loftus closed by recognizing the people who make Paso Schools so special, celebrating Principal Appreciation Day and the upcoming Teacher Appreciation Week, with gratitude extended to all staff for the care and dedication they bring to students every day.
Leadership student Yahaira Vilchis-Gonzalez shared an update on campus life, highlighting student achievements and ongoing efforts to foster a strong, positive school culture.
73 Bearcats competed at the SkillsUSA State Competition, with 12 earning medals, and two gold medalists advancing to the national competition. Ty Brown earned gold in Telecommunications Cabling, and Rowan Yakush earned gold in Early Childhood Education—both will represent PRHS at nationals in Atlanta this June.
Yahaira also highlighted the energy of campus life, from pep rallies and spirit weeks to continued success across athletics, arts, and extracurricular programs. Her report emphasized student leadership beyond campus as well, including visits to elementary schools to promote positive Future Bearcat traits and recognize younger students.
Principal Monica Pafumi, Student Engagement Specialist Amy Brabenec, Student Council Advisor and Fifth Grade Teacher Allie Doerksen, and several representatives from Student Council presented Virginia Peterson's school spotlight.
Students shared a snapshot of “Panda PRIDE” in action, highlighting student leadership, community service, and opportunities for students to get involved, including delivering valentines to Creston Village, organizing a March Madness free-throw competition, and hosting a Lost & Found Fashion Show that resulted in more than half the school's lost & found items being reunited with their owners.
Principal Pafumi invited the community to cheer on Virginia Peterson students participating in the 805 Games on Friday, May 1, and to join the Pandas for their Open House Extravaganza on May 20.
The Board recognized Special Education teacher Megan Wortman for being named the 2026 Special Education Impact Award recipient in the Elementary Teacher category by the San Luis Obispo County SELPA and Community Advisory Committee.
This countywide recognition honors educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovative teaching practices, and a strong commitment to supporting students in special education—traits Ms. Wortman exemplifies every day in her classroom.
The Board approved a mitigation plan designed to address projected deficit spending associated with negotiated employee agreements. The plan reflects a careful balance between honoring the District’s commitment to competitive compensation for staff and maintaining long-term financial stability.
This action supports both the well-being of staff and the sustainability of the District, helping ensure Paso Schools can continue to serve students effectively in the years ahead.
For an overview of the nuances and considerations taken into account when balancing the District's budget and creating the mitigation plan, please see the video above.
The Board approved agreements with Paso Robles Public Educators (PRPE) and California School Employees Association (CSEA) reflecting a commitment to competitive compensation and supporting the educators and staff who serve Paso students every day.
Public Safety Pathway at Liberty and Independence High School
The Board received an overview of a proposed Public Safety Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway at Liberty and Independence High Schools, designed to introduce students to careers in fields such as law enforcement, fire service, and emergency response.
The pathway would begin with two foundational courses, giving students an entry point to explore the field, build essential skills, and determine their interest in pursuing public safety careers.
Course 1: Public Safety Careers (Concentrator Course)
Job Exploration and Career Requirements in the field
Health and fitness requirements
Ethics and Civics in the Community
Relevant Certifications such as:
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
OSHA
Course 2: Drones for Law and Public Safety (Capstone)
Prepares students to test for the Part 107 Commercial Drone License with the FAA
Applicable to different fields including public safety, agriculture, engineering, and video media
The Board reviewed results from a recent community survey exploring interest in a potential school facilities bond. Staff will return at an upcoming meeting with a resolution for Board consideration, along with an overview of the proposed projects.
The Board approved upgrades to library spaces across all PRJUSD schools, enhancing learning environments to better support student engagement, reading, and collaboration.
The District introduced several new and newly promoted leaders joining the Paso Schools team. Each brings a strong background in student support, instruction, and leadership, reinforcing the District’s commitment to student success and positive school communities.
The Board adopted a resolution recognizing Autism Acceptance and Inclusion Month, reaffirming the District’s commitment to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where all students are valued and respected.
The Board approved acceptance of community donations supporting district programs and events, including:
Charities Aid Foundation is donating $500 in support of Georgia Brown Elementary School
The Wonderful Company is donating $1,000 in support of Mrs. Sizzler, Speech Language Pathologist
The Blackbaud Giving Fund is donating $190 in support of Cross Country & ASB at PRHS
A-Z Foundation Group/Central Coast is donating $500 in support of the Floral Department at PRHS
SLO Billiards LLC is donating $1,000 in support of the Queer Student Union Club at PRHS
Ludas Technologies Inc. is donating $147.07 in support of the Drama Club at PRHS
Kevin Glick is donating $150 in support of PRHS Girls Swim
Total value of donations accepted: $3,487.07
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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 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM In the District Board Room located at 800 Niblick, Paso Robles.
