Paso Robles High School Principal Megan Fletcher was arrested on campus Nov. 10 on suspicion of driving under the influence and has since been placed on administrative leave, according to statements released by Paso Robles Joint Unified School District and the Paso Robles Police Department.
“Please know that the daily learning environment, academic programs, and student support services will continue without interruption,” district Superintendent Jennifer Loftus said in an email to families and staff. “Our focus remains on providing a safe, welcoming, and high-quality educational experience for every student.”
The district said Fletcher was taken into custody at approximately 10:45 a.m. while she was on school grounds.
Police later confirmed that the arrest followed a report from school staff who believed Fletcher may have been under the influence of alcohol. The department’s school resource officer responded to the campus office around 9:04 a.m. and contacted Fletcher.
“During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that Ms. Fletcher had driven to the location while under the influence of alcohol,” the Police Department said in a press release on Nov. 11. “She was placed under arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) and transported to the Paso Robles Police Department for processing.”
Police confirmed that Fletcher was later released and no injuries or traffic collisions occurred.
Both the school district and Police Department emphasized that the situation did not pose a threat to students or staff.
“At no point was there any danger to students or staff,” PRJUSD said in a press release. “The campus remained safe, and school operations continued without interruption.”
Loftus told families that afternoon that Fletcher was placed on paid administrative leave effective immediately, and a follow-up email the next day, Nov. 11, noted that the district could not share further details, citing confidentiality and the personal nature of the matter.
To maintain continuity, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mike Susank has been named acting interim principal for Paso Robles High School.
“Mike Susank brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and student development,” Loftus said. “We are confident that Mr. Susank will ensure a smooth continuation of school operations and leadership during this transition.”
The district also addressed a rumor circulating in the community, stating that Fletcher had not been charged with a hit-and-run in connection with a June 2025 traffic incident.
“In June 2025, Fletcher was involved in a traffic incident while operating a district vehicle while traveling to a work-related out of town conference,” the district said in the release. “The incident was reported to CHP.”
Community member Kat Hemlick voiced her frustrations on the Everything Atascadero Facebook page.
“This is terrible. Shame on her!” Hemlick wrote.
Other local residents expressed disbelief over the situation and added that they hope Fletcher receives the support she may need.
Families with questions about day-to-day operations can reach the Paso Robles High School office at (805) 769-1500. ∆
This article appears in Nov 13-23, 2025.