School board receives instructional, facilities reports, takes action on multiple items
Board meeting held Jan. 13
– The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees received updates, presentations, and took several actions during its meeting held Jan. 13.
The Superintendent reported on the City of Paso Robles’ upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day event, which the District collaborates on annually. Paso Robles High School students and staff are scheduled to participate, including the Paso Robles High School Choir, which will perform “Lift Every Voice & Sing.” Students from the Black Student Union will also participate in a Day of Service activity.
The event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., with the service project starting at 10 a.m. Paso Robles schools families of all ages are invited to attend and participate.
Paso Robles High School Interim Principal Mike Susank provided a school update highlighting academic milestones, student leadership, and extracurricular achievements. He reported the launch of course registration for the 2026–27 school year and the upcoming Bearcat 101 event.
Susank also shared updates on Visual and Performing Arts programs, including student artwork currently displayed locally and a recent winter concert featuring the Forte Choir, Band, and Jazz Band. He reported that the production Seussical Kids is scheduled to open Feb. 5 and will be presented to approximately 1,000 elementary students across the district during its February run. Additional upcoming performances include the annual dance show scheduled for March 5–7 and the musical High School Musical, which is scheduled to run April 17–26.
Additional updates included continued growth in Career Technical Education pathways, with a new Cosmetology pathway planned to open in fall 2026, as well as reports on athletics, agriculture programs, and student leadership.
The Board approved multiple Visual and Performing Arts purchases to support arts education across grade levels. Approved purchases include Proposition 28-funded equipment for Paso Robles High School, including musical instruments and equipment to support band, choir, and theater programs. The Board also approved instrument purchases for Lewis Flamson Junior High and Georgia Brown Dual Immersion School to support music education throughout the district.
The Board also moved forward with community bond polling as part of long-term facilities planning. District staff reported that bond approval would require 55 percent voter approval at the ballot. The polling process will be used to assess community support, refine project priorities, evaluate tax rate sensitivity, and inform potential ballot language ahead of any future bond election. Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Brad Pawlowski stated that the polling is an informational step intended to guide decision-making and support transparency with the community.
The Board was presented with recommended instructional materials for Paso Robles High School courses, including Infant and Toddler Care, Advanced Placement Literature, and Cosmetology I. As required, the materials are available for public review for a 30-day period from Jan. 14 through Feb. 6. The recommendations are scheduled to return to the Board for consideration at a future meeting following the public review period.
The Board accepted several donations totaling more than $17,000. Educational Employees Credit Union donated $16,000 in support of the district’s employee of the year event, retirement breakfast, and employee incentives. The San Luis Obispo County Agricultural Education Committee donated $300 in support of Paso Robles High School Future Farmers of America. The Blackbaud Giving Fund donated $420 in support of cross country and leadership programs at Paso Robles High School. Ludus Technologies Inc. donated $193.30 in support of Paso Robles High School drama. Oaks Independent Insurance Solutions donated $500 in support of Gifted and Talented Education at Lewis Flamson Junior High, and Albert Charles Paulsen donated $100 for the same program.
The Board also received a first reading of proposed Board policy updates as part of the district’s regular policy review cycle. The updates were presented for information and discussion and are scheduled to return for a second reading and possible adoption at a future meeting.
Information from the News, Notes & Votes newsletter sent by the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District.
