4 School Administrators Accused of Misusing $70,000 in Funds on Winery, Brewery Visits and More

Four school administrators in Paso Robles, California, have been accused of misappropriating school funds, spending an alleged $70,000 on personal purchases including dinners, winery visits and more.

In a lengthy investigative report from Cal Coast News, Superintendent Jennifer Loftus, Chief Business Officer and Assistant Superintendent Brad Pawlowski, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Erin Haley and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Shauna Ames were all accused of using their school-issued credit cards for purchases that reportedly violate the mandated restrictions.

The $70,000 in charges across the four administrators, who represent a small fraction of the 25 credit cards issued to employees in the district, allegedly accrued between July 2023 through June 2026.

For example, Cal Coast News noted that food and drink charges to the credit cards are only permitted for staff or student meetings and must include a sign-in sheet of all attendees. However, Pawlowski is accused of charging multiple meals and coffees to his credit card in Bakersfield, a city where he has a side gig as a consultant. He allegedly also charged money at a candy shop and several restaurants, golf clubs and coffee shops.

The outlet reported Haley used $10,000 for dining, food and catering and charged more than $2,000 to a local brewery. Ames reportedly charged $7,773 for events at a San Antonio Winery. Loftus is also accused of using her card for unauthorized meal purchases.

Other purchases reportedly made by the foursome include thousands of dollars for custom T-Shirts, cinema tickets and subscriptions.