The Paso Robles School Board conducted a virtual meeting Tuesday night on Zoom. The trustees and administration participated from the comfort and safety of their own home or office via computer. A lot of the meeting was devoted to discussion of the shut down caused by the Coronavirus scare. The board discussed how long the shutdown for schools will continue and what education will look like in the fall.
Superintendent Curt Dubost talked about options, but ultimately agreed with trustee Joel Peterson and several others who said that it’s too soon to plan, because the scenario is constantly changing. Requirements from the state are evolving, and it’s nearly impossible to plan now when conditions may be very different in the fall. The board agreed to hold a special meeting at 2:00 pm on June 4th to discuss options so that parents may get a better idea who to expect in the fall.
The board voted unanimously to terminate the position of Michael Whitman who taught media for one year at the high school. The former Hollywood director was popular on campus, and several trustees expressed reluctance in voting to eliminate his position, but said the district must reduce spending.
Chief Business Officer Brad Pawlowski gave a report on Measure M Bond Projects. He said the construction at Glen Speck Elementary School is proceeding on schedule. The new school is expected to be completed September 20, 2021. Across Vine Street, Marie Bauer Elementary School is progressing well. It is scheduled to be completed in August of this year. The new building at Flamson Middle School is also on schedule. That construction is scheduled to be completed July, 2, 2020. This week, metal canopies were delivered to the Flamson campus.
The discussion on the budget was sobering. The State of California is projecting a $50 billion dollar deficit, which make it likely the district will receive reduced state monies. Unfortunately, the district exhausted its budget reserve, so it has to borrow money to stay afloat during the economic turmoil caused by the Coronavirus shutdown.
The board said farewell to administrators Carol Kenyon and Dana Budd, who are both leaving the district. Kenyon is going to work for the County Office of Education. Budd is going back to the San Joaquin Valley. Although their replacements have not been announced, the district recently flew the job opening for Kenyon’s position, which indicates Jennifer Gaviola will soon hire someone from within the school district.
The highlight of the meeting on Zoom occurred at the outset, when County Office of Education Accountant Diana Larson’s cat climbed up on her desk and walked between Diana and the computer. The gray tiger cat made an impressive appearance, but did not disrupt the meeting.
The PRJUSD Board of Trustees adjourned shortly after 8:40.
