Electrical light parade set to shine

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

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

  After receiving the support of the San Miguel school board Thursday night, the North County’s first charter school is set to open its doors next fall.

  As a result, the San Miguel Joint Unified School District, which has not seen the student growth it had previously projected, could eventually bring in more than 400 new students within the next five years.

  The board’s 4-1 approval means open enrollment can proceed in February, one year after the Paso Robles school district rejected the charter.

• 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.

• San Miguel Scene: New fire leaders to be sworn in tonight

  San Miguel Scene: New fire leaders to be sworn in tonight

  This evening at the regular meeting of the San Miguel Community Services District, new fire Chief Rob Robertson and Assistant Chief Kelly Dodds will be sworn in.

  The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the services district office, 1150 Mission St.

  The public is welcome to attend.

• Longtime educator named executive director of new charter academy in San Miguel

  Longtime educator named executive director of new charter academy in San Miguel

  Robert Bourgault, an educator with 26 years of experience, has been named the executive director for the Almond Acres Charter Academy, which is scheduled to open in San Miguel in the fall.

  Bourgault, a father of seven children, is an adjunct professor for the University of La Verne who graduated from Cal State L.A. and went on to earn master’s degrees at Walden University and the University of La Verne.

  Meanwhile, at Almond Acres, open enrollment for the next school year will conclude March 31, after which a lottery will be conducted for remaining seats at the public charter school.

• San Miguel Scene: Chili cook-off adds to festivities

  San Miguel Scene: Chili cook-off adds to festivities

  Adding to the excitement of the 20th annual Electric Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 17, a chili cook-off will be held at 1199 Mission St. (Station 3 Coffeehouse) at 4 p.m. to benefit the San Miguel Firefighters Association. To enter, call Scott Young at 712-0264.

  Plan to spend the afternoon in San Miguel browsing the Christmas Sidewalk Vendors’ Faire from noon on. Restaurants and shops will be open. The parade begins at 6 p.m., going south from 14th to Ninth Street, where it turns around and comes back. You get to see both sides of the floats and cars, a unique feature of San Miguel parades!

  Parade entry forms are available at San Miguel Mercantile, the CSD office (both in the 1100 block of Mission Street) and at Discover San Miguel.