North County's first charter school set to open its doors in San Miguel next fall

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• Spurned charter school may land in San Miguel

  Spurned charter school may land in San Miguel

  A technology-oriented charter school previously rejected by Paso Robles could be headed for San Miguel — if the school superintendent there can convince his board that the charter will provide a boost to the underperforming schools there.

  “I’m at a loss to see where there’s a downside to us,” said Curt Dubost, superintendent of the San Miguel Joint Unified School District, who will recommend the board approve the charter during a meeting tonight.

  Just over a year ago, a group of well organized parents, educators and community members formally petitioned the Paso Robles Unified School District to approve a charter school they had formulated. The charter would have been part of the district, but with its own governing body. And the school would have allowed for more flexibility with curriculum, focusing on technology.

• Lucia Mar school district could face $2 million budget shortfall

  Lucia Mar school district could face $2 million budget shortfall

  The Lucia Mar school district may face a nearly $2 million shortfall in the next fiscal year, but for the first time since 2009, the gap isn’t proposed to be filled though layoffs, furloughs or other cuts to employee compensation.

• 30 Paso Robles full-time teachers face layoffs

  30 Paso Robles full-time teachers face layoffs

  With student enrollment expected to decline, the Paso Robles school district is expecting to receive less state money, so it plans to lay off 30 teachers. Twenty-tree part-time instructors can also expect to receive notices.

• Despite perilous finances, state laws help schools avert insolvency

  Despite perilous finances, state laws help schools avert insolvency

  Despite having to endure the worst economic crisis in almost a century, only a small number of school districts in California are officially designated as financially troubled.

  In a report issued by the California Department of Education, seven districts, including Paso Robles Joint Unified , Inglewood Unified near Los Angeles and Vallejo City Unified north of San Francisco, have received a “negative certification,” meaning that “based on current projections” a school district won’t be able to meet its financial obligations this year or next.

  That is the most serious rating a district can receive. Another 120 districts received a “qualified” certification, which means they may not be able to meet their financial obligations at some point over the next three years. In San Luis Obispo County, districts with a “qualified” certification are Atascadero, Lucia Mar, San Miguel Joint Union and Shandon Joint Unified.

• San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors to consider truancy ordinance

  San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors to consider truancy ordinance

  Minors in San Luis Obispo County’s unincorporated areas who are skipping school would find it tougher to stay out on the street if an ordinance being considered by the Board of Supervisors comes to pass.

  The board is being asked to hold a public hearing Jan. 17 on the proposed truancy ordinance. It is being introduced at Tuesday’s supervisors’ meeting, but only for purposes of setting a date for the hearing next month.

  Should it be approved, it would affect only unincorporated parts of San Luis Obispo County, which are those areas outside city limits.