Paso Robles School Board approves budget cuts, but are they enough?
Brad Pawlowski.
–At their meeting last night at the district office, the Paso Robles School Board approved certification of the second interim Financial Report. Chief Business Officer Brad Pawlowski said, “It’s not too bad, but it may not be this good in the future.”
Pawlowski told the board at last night’s meeting that even if the district cuts another $800,000 in the next fiscal year, the district will still be below the 3-percent state minimum reserve fund in 2021. He said the district would need another $500-600,000 dollars beyond the $800,000 reduction next year to hit 3-percent. The reserve fund is about $775,000 today. Four years ago, when former superintendent Chris Williams took office, it was $7.5 million dollars, 10-percent of the district’s operating budget.
Pawlowsi says that the projected budget includes no money for bus replacement or tech replacement and no salary increases in the near future. The vote to approve certification was 6-0 with Trustee Tim Gearhart absent.
Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Gaviola announced a new principal for the Paso Robles High School. He’s Mr. Anthony Overton. He previously served as Vice-Principal at the high school.
A heated discussion manifested over the appointment of members to the Board of Directors of the 4A Foundation for Paso Robles Schools. The nominees included former trustees Field Gibson, Matt McClish and Joan Summers, who still serves as trustee. Two citizens told the board that in light of the serious budget issues at the district, that the former school board members not be included on the Board of Directors. Board President Joel Peterson argued for their inclusion saying they would serve only as fundraisers for the school district.
Ultimately, the board voted 4-2 to reject the staff recommendation to approve the nomination. President Joel Peterson and trustee Joan Summers cast the dissenting votes. So, the nominations will go back to the Board of Directors of the 4A Foundation for modification.
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