Letter: Financial missteps highlight need for change in school board
Hunter Breese.
To the editor,
– While I respect Nathan Williams’ dedication to community service, it’s important to recognize that commitment alone doesn’t always translate into the right experience for serving on a school board. Over the past two years as board president, Mr. Williams has demonstrated significant gaps in leadership, particularly in managing the district’s financial challenges. Under his leadership, the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) has entered two consecutive fiscal years with a budget deficit. Although budget approval requires a majority vote, the responsibility to raise critical questions about fiscal sustainability rests heavily on the board president. In this area, Mr. Williams has fallen short. The board’s primary tool during meetings is the ability to ask informed questions, hold district staff accountable, and ensure transparency—tasks Mr. Williams has failed to fulfill during his 3.5 years on the board, and especially during his time as president.
I do commend Mr. Williams for his long and passionate service to our community. However, while roles such as Little League coach or Girl Scout troop leader are admirable, they are not necessarily the qualifications we need in a board member tasked with overseeing a school district facing complex financial and academic challenges. As a candidate for school board, I, Hunter Breese, bring years of family business experience to the table. Growing up surrounded by small business, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of budgeting wisely and managing resources effectively. Our school district should be managed with the same care and discipline. The district’s “product” is our students, and we owe it to them to produce the best possible outcomes.
Unfortunately, student achievement has also suffered during Mr. Williams’ tenure. When he was elected in 2020, our 11th graders had an ELA proficiency rate of 54.53% and a math proficiency rate of 28.87%. In just a few years, those numbers have dropped to 48.15% and 23.39%, respectively. These are troubling figures, particularly for students preparing for college or entering the workforce. These results do not reflect a “District of Excellence,” and I believe we can and must do better. Achieving this will require strong leadership and a commitment to holding all stakeholders—students, teachers, staff, and the board—accountable for delivering the best education possible. The data shows clearly that under Mr. Williams’ leadership, accountability has been lacking, and our students are paying the price.
Additionally, during Mr. Williams’ time as board president, we saw the closure of a school site—the 36th Street campus—and at the same time, the approval of new pool construction. When Measure M funds were mismanaged and proper oversight was lacking, the board faced a critical decision: should we rebuild a neighborhood school or construct a pool? Mr. Williams voted for the pool, leaving the school site abandoned and in disrepair. This decision raises serious questions about priorities and fiscal responsibility.
Our district deserves leadership that asks the tough questions, ensures accountability, and prioritizes student success. I believe I can provide that leadership.
Hunter Breese
PRJUSD Trustee Area 3 Candidate/Local Contractor/Businessman
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