Understanding our schools starts with understanding the numbers. Here are some important facts about the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District.
6,234 Students
PRJUSD reported 6,234 students enrolled in TK–12 based on the October 2025 census. The district operates 12 schools, including a continuation high school and the Georgia Brown Dual Immersion TK–8 program.
A Diverse Student Population
Approximately 72% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged, 21% are English/Multilingual Learners, 15.6% are students with disabilities, 8.3% are students experiencing homelessness, and 0.4% are foster youth. Those numbers demonstrate why a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Different students may require different resources and support, while every student deserves high expectations and an excellent education.
Attendance Is Improving — But There Is More Work to Do
District attendance improved from approximately 91.3% to 92.8%, while chronic absenteeism declined from approximately 26.2% to 20.5%. That is meaningful progress, but it also means roughly one in five students still meets the definition of chronically absent. Attendance matters academically—and because California school funding is heavily influenced by Average Daily Attendance, it matters financially as well.
Graduation Rate: 88.4%
The district reports a current graduation rate of approximately 88.4%, up from a baseline of 87%. Our goal should be bigger than simply getting students across the graduation stage. Students should leave Paso Robles prepared for college, skilled employment, the trades, military service, entrepreneurship, or whatever path they choose.
College & Career Readiness: 41%
The district’s College/Career Indicator has improved from approximately 31.9% to 41%, exceeding the district’s previous target of 36.9%. That progress is encouraging, and we should build on it by continuing to strengthen CTE, college preparation, apprenticeships, STEM, financial literacy, and partnerships with local businesses and employers.
English Learners: Approximately 1 in 5 Students
California Department of Education data reports 1,247 English learners, representing approximately 20% of district enrollment in 2025–26. Helping these students achieve English proficiency while maintaining high academic expectations is one of the district’s most important responsibilities.
$27.4 Million in Planned LCAP Investments
For 2026–27, approximately $27.4 million is tied to actions and services contained in the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan, or LCAP. The district reports approximately $22.5 million in planned services for high-needs students, compared with approximately $17.6 million generated by their enrollment through supplemental and concentration funding. Those are significant investments. The Board’s responsibility is not simply to ask whether money was spent—it should ask whether those investments are producing measurable improvements for students.
Measure M: $95 Million
Paso Robles voters approved Measure M in 2016, authorizing $95 million in school facility bonds. The original 2016 Facilities Master Plan identified approximately $135 million of projects, requiring the district to prioritize projects within the smaller bond authorization. According to San Luis Obispo County, the entire $95 million has now been issued and approximately $80.11 million in principal remains outstanding, with the final scheduled payment currently extending to 2048.
Measure G-26: $205 Million
Voters are now being asked to consider Measure G-26, which would authorize another $205 million in general obligation bonds for school facilities. The official ballot language estimates an average levy below $50 per $100,000 of assessed value, generating approximately $12.2 million annually while the bonds are outstanding. Regardless of how voters ultimately decide, an investment of that magnitude deserves clear priorities, detailed budgets, strong independent oversight, and transparent reporting to taxpayers.
Sources for District Information:
California Department of Education – Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Profile: https://www.cde.ca.gov/sdprofile/details.aspx?cds=40754570000000
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District – LCAP / District Data: https://www.pasoschools.org/63679_4
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District – Measure M: https://www.pasoschools.org/measure-m
San Luis Obispo County – Paso Robles School Facilities Improvement District: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/auditor-controller-treasurer-tax-collector-public/property-tax-allocation/services/special-assessments-and-direct-charges-(non-value/paso-robles-school-facilities-improvement-district
Monterey County Elections – Local Measures / Measure G-26: https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/elections/list-of-local-measures