Four top administrators in the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District are facing scrutiny for allegedly spending approximately $70,000 in district funds on personal purchases, including winery visits, meals, and merchandise, between July 2023 and June 2026. This spending occurred just days before voters rejected a $205 million bond measure intended for school facility improvements.
The credit card expenditures, detailed in an investigative report by Cal Coast News, were made using district-issued credit cards belonging to the superintendent and three assistant superintendents. According to district policy, public funds cannot be used for gifts, gift cards, or personal expenses. Meals and drinks are permissible only for official meetings, provided meeting agendas and attendance records are attached to the expense reports.
Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Erin Haley reportedly had the largest tab, with over $110,000 in charges. This included nearly $39,600 for technology and subscriptions, which district policy dictates should be processed through purchase orders. The report also noted over $10,000 in dining and catering expenses, approximately $3,000 at a local brewery, and nearly $7,700 for promotional merchandise.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Shauna Ames incurred nearly $37,000 on her card, with significant spending allocated to winery events, awards, entertainment, and meals. One San Antonio Winery event alone cost over $7,700, and expenditures for gifts and awards totaled more than $5,100.
Chief Business Officer and Assistant Superintendent Brad Pawlowski's spending included $90 at a candy shop, along with charges at local restaurants, a golf club, and coffee shops. Pawlowski also had 23 meal and drink charges in Bakersfield, where he consults for the state-funded Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT). Since 2023, Pawlowski has reportedly earned approximately $90,000 in consulting fees in addition to his $316,000 annual salary and benefits from the school district.
Superintendent Jennifer Loftus's credit card charges totaled $23,451, with only a few thousand dollars raising questions, according to the report.
The revelations come at a sensitive time for the district. On November 3, voters rejected Measure G-26, which would have authorized the district to borrow $205 million for classroom renovations, infrastructure repairs, and new facilities. Ballotpedia reported that 54.01% of voters opposed the measure, with 45.99% in favor, based on 9,083 ballots cast.