News, Notes & Votes, 6/23/26

The Board approved construction of a monument wall and commemorative plaque honoring the 12 Paso Robles High School graduates who lost their lives during World War II and for whom War Memorial Stadium was originally dedicated.

The project has been developed over several months through collaboration between district representatives, community volunteers, and local architect Gary Gery, who volunteered his services to design the monument and oversee construction. Community members have also been researching the stories of the 12 fallen Bearcats to help preserve this important chapter of local history.

During Board discussion, trustees expressed support for honoring the 12 World War II Bearcats while also considering whether the monument would eventually recognize Paso Robles service members who served in other conflicts. Trustees discussed the historical significance of War Memorial Stadium's original dedication and the importance of ensuring any future additions align with the monument's purpose. This item will return on the August 18 Board agenda.

The Board received an update on recommendations stemming from the independent salary study commissioned in 2025 to evaluate the district's management salary schedules.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Brad Pawlowski reviewed the history of the study, which included a comprehensive review of 89 benchmark positions across comparable organizations. The study found that more than half of benchmark positions were below the market median and identified salary compression as an additional challenge affecting the district's compensation structure.

District staff outlined a strategy designed to address both market competitiveness and internal salary compression by adjusting salary ranges and proportionally scaling positions. The recommendations are intended to support recruitment and retention efforts while creating a more sustainable and equitable salary structure for management employees.

The presentation was provided for information and discussion. Future action related to salary schedule adjustments would return to the Board at the next meeting, on August 18.

The Board approved a resolution declaring its intent to proceed with the public sale of the Montebello Oaks property.

The property was originally identified by the district's 7/11 Committee as surplus property in 2021. In 2022, the Board formally declared the property surplus and offered eligible public agencies the opportunity to acquire it as required by law. While several agencies expressed interest, the district was unable to reach a negotiated agreement.

With those requirements completed, the district will now move forward with a public bidding process. Bids will be accepted through August 17 and opened on August 18, after which the Board will have the opportunity to accept or reject submitted bids.

Proceeds from the sale may be used for legally authorized educational purposes that support district facilities and programs.

The Board received an overview of Edia, a technology platform designed to improve attendance communication, streamline intervention efforts, and strengthen connections between schools and families.

Coordinator of Student Services Rachel Gustafson explained that district staff currently process hundreds of absences each day and sent more than 8,400 attendance-related letters during the 2025-26 school year. Staff feedback identified a need for a system that integrates more effectively with Aeries and reduces the time spent on manual attendance follow-up.

Edia uses two-way text communication to help families report absence reasons, schedule attendance meetings, and connect with appropriate support staff. The platform also provides attendance data analysis and intervention recommendations designed to support student success.

District staff noted that the platform could improve efficiency while helping schools respond more quickly to attendance concerns.

The Board received its annual review of districtwide discipline data and practices.

Director of Student Services Leonor Buza emphasized that discipline decisions are made following a comprehensive review of each incident and are guided by principles of due process, progressive discipline, and opportunities for behavioral improvement. Administrators retain discretion to utilize alternatives to suspension whenever appropriate while also maintaining accountability for student behavior.

The presentation included suspension trend data, demographic information, and comparisons across multiple school years. Staff discussed ongoing efforts to balance student accountability with supportive interventions that help students learn from mistakes and remain engaged in school.

The annual review provides district leaders with information that helps guide future decisions related to student supports, school climate, and behavior intervention strategies.

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, August 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM In the District Board Room located at 800 Niblick, Paso Robles.