Paso Robles principal received payout in resignation over DUI arrest
The Paso Robles principal who was arrested for a suspected DUI in November received a $40,000 payout as a condition of her resignation agreement, according to documents obtained by The Tribune.
Former Paso Robles principal Megan Fletcher was arrested on campus on Nov. 10 after police said she allegedly drove to work under the influence of alcohol. A police report obtained by The Tribune showed Fletcher’s blood alcohol content registered at more than three times the legal driving limit on the day of her arrest.
Fletcher was immediately placed on paid administrative leave following the incident.
By Nov. 18, the Paso Robles school board had unanimously approved a resignation agreement between the district and Fletcher, a district spokesperson previously confirmed.
To further understand the circumstances surrounding Fletcher’s resignation, The Tribune requested a copy of the resignation agreement and Fletcher’s last employment contract through a public records request.
Former principal receives payment, benefits for resignation
According to the documents, Fletcher remained on paid administrative leave through Nov. 30, after which she was officially placed on unpaid leave.
She’s set to remain on unpaid leave through June 30, 2026, when her resignation will officially go into effect.
As part of the agreement, the district agreed to pay Fletcher a $40,000 lump sum within 30 days of the school board’s approval of the agreement. The agreement said the payment was subject to all taxes and payroll deductions that might apply, except for retirement contributions.
Additionally, the district will pay Fletcher’s health benefits in full until June 30, 2026.
The agreement upheld the right for the district to submit a notice of unprofessional conduct to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing related to the circumstances leading to the resignation.
The district also agreed to a “neutral reference” clause, meaning the district can only provide a potential future employer of Fletcher’s with the dates of her employment, the last position she held and her final wage or salary information, according to the document.
The document does not equate to an admission of liability for either party, it said.
“The parties understand and agree this agreement is a compromise of disputed claims and that nothing in this agreement shall be construed as an admission of liability, fault, or wrongdoing by any of the parties or either of them,” the document said. “The parties specifically deny any liability, fault, or wrongdoing in this matter and in executing this agreement, intend merely to avoid litigation or other controversy.”
The agreement detailed additional legal clauses around tax consequences for Fletcher, any existing or potential legal claims and more.
The document also declared that the district and Fletcher each paid for their own attorney’s fees related to the agreement.
The agreement was dated Nov. 14, and was signed by both Fletcher and Paso Robles superintendent Jennifer Loftus.
The Tribune also requested Fletcher’s last employment contract with the district.
According to the document provided to The Tribune, which was dated for the 2025-26 school year and appeared to be carried over through contracts from 2023 through 2025, Fletcher received an annual salary of $139,981.
“The District recognizes that members of the community are understandably curious and concerned, and that situations like this can raise questions without additional context,” the district said in a statement on Monday.
“With respect to the resignation agreement, it is important to note that agreements of this nature are a standard practice used to resolve employment matters efficiently and appropriately. The District evaluated multiple options and determined that a negotiated separation was in the best interest of the District. As required by law, the matter will be referred to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for its own review.”
This story was originally published December 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story did not clearly characterize one of the district’s continuing rights in this case. It retains the prerogative to submit a notice of unprofessional conduct to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing regarding Fletcher’s actions and resignation.
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