Four senior administrators in California’s Paso Robles school district are facing scrutiny over allegations that thousands of dollars in public funds were spent on winery outings, meals and promotional merchandise—shortly after voters rejected a $205 million school bond proposal.
An investigative report by Cal Coast News found that district-issued credit cards assigned to the superintendent and three assistant superintendents were used for purchases totaling about $70,000 between July 2023 and June 2026.
The four cards reviewed represent only a portion of the approximately 25 credit cards issued by the district, according to the news outlet.
Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Erin Haley had the highest overall spending, charging $110,433 to her district card. That amount included nearly $39,600 for technology and subscriptions—expenses district policy reportedly requires to be processed through purchase orders, Cal Coast News reported.
Her charges also included more than $10,000 in dining and catering, nearly $3,000 at a local brewery and about $7,700 paid to a company that produces promotional T-shirts and related merchandise.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Shauna Ames charged just under $37,000 to her district card. Much of that spending involved winery events, awards, entertainment and meals.
One event at San Antonio Winery accounted for more than $7,700, while gifts and awards totaled over $5,100, according to Cal Coast News.
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Brad Pawlowski, the district’s chief business officer and an assistant superintendent, also used his card for a $90 purchase at See’s Candies, as well as local restaurant, golf club and coffee expenses.
His records included 23 meal and beverage charges in Bakersfield, near the state-funded Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, or FCMAT, where he consults independently.
Since 2023, Pawlowski has earned approximately $90,000 from consulting on several projects, in addition to his annual Paso Robles school district salary and benefits totaling $316,000, the outlet reported.
Superintendent Jennifer Loftus had only a few thousand dollars in questionable charges among the $23,451 billed to her district card.
District credit card policy prohibits administrators from using public money for gifts, flowers, gift cards and personal expenses. Meals and beverages are permitted only for meetings, provided that attendance sheets and agendas are included with the documentation.
On Nov. 3, voters rejected Measure G-26, a proposal that would have authorized the Paso Robles school district to borrow $205 million for classroom renovations, infrastructure repairs and new facilities.
Ballotpedia’s results show that 54.01% of voters opposed the measure, with 4,906 no votes, while 45.99% supported it, with 4,177 yes votes. A total of 9,083 ballots were cast.