School board accepts wide-ranging contributions and reviews plans to modernize Marie Bauer kitchen
PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees accepted a series of generous donations during its meeting on Tuesday, March 24, benefiting a range of student programs at Paso Robles High School.
A significant contribution came from the Swim Paso Association (SPA), which donated $10,000 to support the PRHS men’s and women’s swim and dive teams, as well as the water polo program. Additionally, in a combined effort, the 4A Foundation and SPA also contributed $168,545.81 to further bolster aquatics programs at PRHS, marking one of the largest donations of the evening.
Gwen Severson, representing the organization alongside other SPA board members, formally presented the donations to the board.
"The mission statement of SPA is to elevate aquatics in the Paso Robles community and surrounding region by making water safety, sport, and fitness accessible to all," Severson shared. "We are incredibly grateful the Aquatics Complex was completed and as stewards of the donations raised in the community, we are thrilled to present this check for the total of $178,545.81 to the aquatics students and coaches of Paso Robles High School through their ASB accounts."
Additional contributions included a $200 donation from Michelle Gilsdorf to support the PRHS Choir program, and $3,324.80 from the SLO County Foundation for Agricultural Awareness Inc., designated for the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program.
The district also accepted a $266.97 donation from Ludus Technologies Inc. in support of the PRHS Drama Club.
In other business, staff presented initial plans to modernize the kitchen at the Marie Bauer Early Education Center (MBEEC).
Director of Food Services Jessie Wesch highlighted the need for upgrades: "Our current kitchen at Marie Bauer lacks the infrastructure to keep up with our universal meal program and the hungry preschool needs who are eager to learn about what's for breakfast and lunch."
According to the presentation, the current space is not equipped to handle the volume of meals served and does not support on-site food preparation. Historically, food service staff have had to walk across the street to Glen Speck Elementary School, where meals are prepared. The site has also experienced staffing challenges, with six different employees working in the kitchen over the past four years, including two former food service supervisors.
Planned next steps include collaborating with architect Gary Gery to develop a design that meets requirements set by the San Luis Obispo County Department of Environmental Health. The design process will also evaluate kitchen equipment options compatible with existing electrical and plumbing systems.
The presentation was provided for informational purposes only. The proposed kitchen improvements are expected to return to the board for action at its April 28 meeting and will be listed on the consent agenda.