Highlights of Tuesday night's Board meeting included news of the U.S. Army's approval of the new JROTC program at Paso Robles High School, plans to reopen the Culinary Academy café, an update on the Chiado Trust scholarship endowment, and recognition of National First Responders Day.
|
Superintendent Jennifer Loftus highlighted several upcoming District events and opportunities for community engagement.
The annual Cats & Hounds Luncheon will take place Wednesday, October 14, ahead of Friday's much-anticipated Bearcats vs. Greyhounds rivalry football game. This year's matchup will take place on Greyhound territory, and Bearcat fans are encouraged to come out and support the team.
Loftus also invited community members to attend the District's second Facilities Master Plan and Measure G Community Forum on Wednesday, October 14, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Culinary Arts Academy. Ms. Loftus and Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Brad Pawlowski will review facility needs across the District, proposed projects, and what Measure G would mean for Paso Schools. The forum will include opportunities for questions and discussion, with live Spanish interpretation available.
On Friday, October 16, the District will celebrate the completion of Georgia Brown Dual Immersion's new Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten complex with a ribbon cutting. Made possible through Measure M, the new complex features six classrooms, a playground, and a musical garden designed for the school's youngest learners.
Finally, the Board will hold a Special Board Meeting Workshop on Saturday, October 17, at 9:00 a.m., focused on Secondary Instructional Design and its alignment with goals established in the District's Board-approved Strategic Plan.
|
The District is preparing to reopen the café at the Paso Robles High School Culinary Arts Academy, creating new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in a working food service environment.
As part of that effort, the Board reviewed a proposed Culinary Assistant job description during its first reading. The new position would support the café's daily operations, helping provide students with practical experience in food preparation and service, customer service, and retail operations.
Reopening the café would give students another opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice while developing valuable career-ready skills.
|
Paso Robles High School has received official approval from the U.S. Army to establish a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program, creating a new opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, citizenship, teamwork, and personal responsibility. Once established, it will be the first JROTC program in San Luis Obispo County.
In a letter dated September 23, 2026, the U.S. Army Cadet Command confirmed the program's approval, effective April 1, 2027. The District will work with the Army's 8th Brigade to establish the program, including hiring two certified instructors. The first instructor must be hired by June 30, 2027, and the second by September 30, 2027.
The new JROTC program will further expand the range of educational opportunities available to PRJUSD students in grades 9–12.
|
The Board of Trustees adopted Resolution 27-06 recognizing October 28 as National First Responders Day, honoring the men and women who serve and protect our communities. The resolution recognizes the contributions of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, school nurses, and other emergency personnel, and encourages schools to commemorate the occasion through educational activities that help students understand and appreciate the important work of first responders.
|
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Erin Haley provided the Board with an update on the Phyllis Spargo Chiado Trust Endowed Scholarship Fund, established following a generous estate gift to Paso Robles High School in 2024.
The gift was designated to provide college scholarships for PRHS students pursuing degrees in mathematics, physical or life sciences, engineering, or education. The funds are held in an endowed scholarship fund through the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, helping ensure that Ms. Chiado's generosity can benefit students for years to come.
Each scholarship provides $9,000 in financial assistance over four years, with recipients receiving $2,250 annually. Two PRHS graduates have received scholarships to date: Erid Garcia Vasquez (2025) and Kingston Lacy (2026).
The endowment has also grown since its establishment. The fund's reported balance increased from $228,178.29 in June 2025 to $265,635.55 in June 2026, an increase of more than $37,000.
Ms. Chiado's estate also provided gifts to UC Berkeley, Stanford University, Santa Maria High School, and the University of Washington, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting education.
Through this lasting gift, the Chiado Trust will continue helping generations of Paso Robles High School graduates pursue their educational and career aspirations.
|
The Board gratefully accepted $1,200 in donations supporting student programs across the District.
-
Kenneth E. Enney donated $1,000 to support the Liberty High School Associated Student Body (ASB).
-
Leo Castillo donated $100 to support the AVID program at Lewis Flamson Junior High School and another $100 to support MEChA at Paso Robles High School.
|
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.
Members of the wider community looking to stay up-to-date with the work of the PRJUSD Board of Trustees are invited to subscribe to NN&V. Please feel free to forward this message, or share the subscription link with anyone you believe may be interested.
|
👍👎Share your feedback about News, Notes & Votes HERE
📰 Read the latest issue of Paso Proud in English HERE, or in Spanish HERE
|
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, October 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM In the District Board Room located at 800 Niblick, Paso Robles.
|
|
|
