Paso Robles School Board votes to extend school closures
–The Paso Robles School Board held a virtual meeting Tuesday night. The district is using Zoom to conduct their meetings. Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Gaviola set the tone by reviewing the “Journey of Reduction” as she described the effort to cut spending so that the district can rebuild the district reserves. Those reserves fell from 10-percent ($6.5 million) when Superintendent Kathy McNamara retired to about 1.5-percent shortly after the resignation of Superintendent Chris Williams.
The closure of Paso Robles Joint Unified Schools has been extended to at least the date of May 16, 2020. If the San Luis Obispo County Health Department, on or about May 1, 2020, announces that they are extending the Shelter-at-Home order beyond May 16, 2020, then the district will immediately announce that schools are closed through the end of the school year, June 4, 2020. If the San Luis Obispo County Health Department, on or about May 1, 2020, announces that the Shelter-at-Home will be lifted on or about May 16, 2020, then the district will take steps to determine if it is feasible to reopen schools on or about May 18, 2020 – June 4, 2020.
PRJUSD will continue its distance learning program throughout this entire period of time, ensuring students continue their education.
Regarding district finances, the board voted 5-2, with trustees Arend and Bausch casting the dissenting votes, to authorize the borrowing of funds for the next fiscal year through the sale of tax and revenue anticipation notes. The board tabled until next meeting a proposal to allow temporary inter-fund transfers of special or restricted fund money.
The board voted 3-1 against authorizing a petition to establish the almond Acres Charter Academy Charter School. Three trustees recused themselves. The remaining four needed to vote unanimously to pass any resolution. The results of the 3-1 remain in question. So, effectively, no action was taken on that charter school proposal.
The board also voted to form a 7-11 committee to consider school consolidation and possibly the sale of surplus district property. The first step will be the recruitment of seven to eleven people to serve on the committee. The formation of the committee inspired by the recent discussion of the possible closure of Speck Elementary School.
The trustees learned that Assistant Superintendent Carol Kenyon is leaving the district to accept a position with the County Office of Education. The meeting was a long one, starting with a closed session at 5:30 and continuing until 11 p.m. Tuesday night.
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