BVUSD Regular Meeting Further Outlines Parcel Tax Idea

Big Bear, CA, February 2, 2012, 12noon: At last night’s regular board meeting of the Bear Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees, during the public comment section of the meeting several parents spoke on behalf of dismissed Middle School aide, Ken O’Hare.  The distressed speakers outlined Mr. O’Hare’s dedication to students and their potential to protest his firing that occurred earlier during closed session.  It is unclear as the reason for Mr. O’Hare’s dismissal but speakers made reference to an inappropriate text message.  The District Board and administration does not publicly comment on employee personnel issues and his dismissal, and reason for it, was not made public by the District.  Fifty or so community members and district staff attended the meeting at the Middle School seemingly primarily for information about the District’s financial status and potential upcoming Parcel Tax.  The Board adopted a resolution against the elimination of home-to-school transportation and Special Education transportation funding citing harm to low-income students in rural California for disproportionate program and service reductions compared to all other students in this state.  Additionally, the resolution urges our politicians to reverse the State Budget action in regards to cutting transportation funding.  A presentation of the Parcel Tax parameters was to be outlined last night by consultant Charles Heath of TBWB Strategies, however, Mr. Heath was unable to attend and the item was pulled from the agenda in closed session.  There was much discussion about the budget crisis and as Walter Con, Director of Business Services, stated that budget information is changing quickly but it is predicted that the school financial outlook for the State of California will not improve until 2016 or later.  A few community members spoke on behalf of a Parcel Tax with opinions from both extremes being represented.  Erwin Lake resident, Michael Perry, indicated that he believes what the politicians are doing to our children’s education is criminal.  He spoke in support of a Parcel Tax where we could spend the money directly for our students and the only question left being how much money is needed.  Mr. Perry believes that a Parcel Tax will pass if it is explained adequately to our residents.  He informed the Board not to be afraid to get the bad news out as soon as possible and don’t sugarcoat it.  Conversely, Joseph Cottrell of Big Bear City, followed with his statements that he has paid his taxes to Sacramento and if the Board wants his money, that’s where they should go to get it.  Lastly, Big Bear Lake resident, Linda Ricchiuti, spoke stating that the Board needs to think hard before going down this road because there is no going back.  Following, Superintendent Kurt Madden, outlined what needs to be done next in regards to the Parcel Tax including a feasibility study, organizing community support and getting people out to vote.  The procedural timeline to implement a parcel tax brings us to approximately June 21^st, or later, for the Parcel Tax vote.  Details such as how much money is needed was discussed at length as Board Trustee, Paul Zamoyta, outlined a financial comparison of how much the tax would need to be to take our District to the top or to just be average compared to other districts.  Current discussions have indicated that the tax may be in the $50 or $60 range in order to ensure a successful vote.  A $50 tax would provide approximately $1.5 million dollars in revenue to our schools.  But as Mr. Zamoyta stated, he isn’t advocating a high tax but that the public can’t expect a “Cadillac” education for that amount.  Board member, Randy Putz, also stated that the Parcel Tax would give our community the opportunity to decide how important education is to them.  Implementation of a Special Board Workshop for the community to continue discussion on the issue was presented and will be determined where and when tomorrow.  Stay tuned to Kbear for details.

Bear Valley School District Budget Advisory Committee Meeting

Big Bear, CA, January 30, 2012, 12noon:  Last Thursday, the Budget Advisory Committee of the Bear Valley School District met to receive a status update in regards to Governor Brown’s proposed 2012-2013 State Budget and to begin discussion of potential expenditure reductions.  The Committee, which was formed in 2008, is comprised of District administrators, school and union representatives, parents and community members who will begin reviewing items in the budget for potential reduction which, ultimately, is decided upon and presented by the Superintendent, Kurt Madden.  Committee members were appraised of the discussions from the Board Workshop meeting of January 25^th in which it was revealed that Governor Brown is proposing the elimination of home to school transportation.  For our District, that annual cost is approximately $830K.  The Governor is also proposing a $7 billion dollar tax-initiative, Prop 98 that, if it doesn’t pass, will result in an additional $960K cut in funding and the possible elimination of three weeks of school.  So, at the next Budget Advisory Committee meeting on February 6^th, the committee will, once again, begin the grueling process of revisiting the list of 85 potential areas for budget cuts as well as reviewing new areas of possible budget reductions.  Additionally, the Committee was informed of a letter our school district received from Gary Thomas, County Superintendent of Schools, that outlined the implications of having a “Qualified Certification” that indicates our district may not be able to meet our financial obligations.  Walter Con, Director of Business Services, stated that this is the first time the District has received such a letter, although the District has in the past received a “Qualified Certification”.  Of the 33 schools in San Bernardino County, 11 schools, including Bear Valley, currently have a “Qualified Certification” and have been assigned a fiscal expert from the County to assist the district in determining an on-going fiscal plan of action.  To further emphasize the urgency of this financial crisis, if a solution cannot be implemented; the County could assign a fiscal advisor who would rescind the authority of the School Board.  In a short period of time, the District needs to find solutions to this crisis and are working towards a Parcel Tax to help fund our Valley schools.

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Bear Valley Unified School District Budget Board Workshop

Big Bear, CA, January 26, 2012, 5:50pm: UPDATE: According to Federal law, home to school transportation must be provided to Special Education students if it is deemed necessary as part of their Individual Educational Plan or IEP.  Big Bear, CA, January 26, 2012, 12noon: At last night’s Board Workshop meeting of the Bear Valley Unified School District, Board Trustees, district administration and many members of the community, as well as teachers and classified employees of the district, met to discuss and explore alternative funding sources for educating the students of the Valley.  With the recent budget information released from Governor Brown’s office in Sacramento, the financial outlook for BVUSD is bleak.  Astonishingly, the Governor is proposing eliminating bus transportation for students.  To our district, that is approximately an $830K cut in the budget.  Additionally, $960K in non-transportation budget cuts is necessary now.  The Governor is proposing a tax initiative, that would need a two-thirds vote to pass, that would fund transportation costs but, if it does not pass, the school district will have to find a way to fund the $830K busing cost as it mandated by Federal law that students must be provided transportation to school.  Superintendent Kurt Madden outlined the possible funding options that may be available for the District, which included a Parcel Tax, GO Bond and grant opportunities.  The Parcel Tax and GO Bond options dominated last night’s discussion with the Board allowing for public comments and questions throughout the meeting.   Following much discussion, the Board agreed that a Parcel Tax would be the best route to explore as it would allow the District to receive funds to meet more immediate needs faster and with better direction, if passed, than a GO Bond that would primarily fund capital improvements.  Walter Con, Assistant Superintendent of Business for the District, used the example of switching to solar power for the schools in order to save money on electricity that could then fund other school programs.  As time is of the essence with the budget crisis, Board members ultimately dismissed the idea of a GO Bond.  However a lot of work will need to be done in order to get the community educated and involved in passing a Parcel Tax.  As Liz Harris, Big Bear Lake City Council member in attendance commented, parent groups and grass roots organizations from the community will need to get behind the campaign.  The BVUSD Board members made it very clear that we need to concentrate on our students and teachers during this budget crisis.  At this time, other business is temporarily on hold, including a possible reconfiguration of schools, until the budget issues are resolved.  The District administration and consultant will now create a timeline of how to proceed and iron out the specifics needed to create a Parcel Tax.  Meanwhile, Sharon Meager, a teacher at Big Bear Middle School, is organizing a letter writing campaign to local, state and federal representatives urging them to help during this financial crisis.  The event will be held at the Middle School on February 7^th beginning at 5pm and members of the community are encouraged to participate.

KBHR Presents BBHS Parents Supporting Academics Booster’s With A Donation

Big Bear, CA, September 8, 2011, 12:00am - At last night’s monthly meeting of the Big Bear High School PSA Booster Club, KBHR’s Cathy Herrick presented the group with a check for $150.00 which represents a percentage of the proceeds from the radio station’s “Sober Grad” community minded campaign for local businesses that aired last June to support our high school graduates and encourage conversation between parents and their children to have a safe and sober grad night.  Lydarose Luna, the newly appointed President of the BBHS Parents Supporting Academics Boosters and Mike Ghelber, Big Bear High’s Principal, were on hand to accept the check.  The club supports our high school students both academically and with site improvement costs.  The funds from the annual “PSA Tax Day Soiree and Silent Auction” held in April for the last several years have been earmarked to purchase a new electronic sign for the high school.  The club is currently in the process of researching companies to purchase and install the new sign.

UPDATE: Motorcycle Fatality Identified as Cheryl Hightower

Big Bear, CA, August 31, 2011, 7:00pm - The victim of this morning’s fatal motorcycle accident at Greenway and North Shore Drive in Big Bear City has been identified as Cheryl Hightower, 65, of Hesperia.  Ms. Hightower had been a long time employee of the Snow Summit Corporation and was phasing out her employment for retirement.  Additionally, the driver of the Jeep Cherokee, who was also involved in the accident, has been identified as Walter Campbell, 60, of Big Bear City.  Mr. Campbell was uninjured.  According to CHP, Ms. Hightower was riding on a Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling westbound on North Shore Drive when she was struck by Mr. Campbell’s Jeep Cherokee traveling northbound on Greenway impacting the left side of the motorcycle and ejecting it’s rider.  She was pronounced deceased at the scene by Big Bear City Fire personnel at approximately 7:45am.  The accident caused the intersection at Greenway and North Shore Drive to be closed for 2 to 3 hours with a detour set in place for traffic to avoid the scene of the collision.  The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

UPDATE: Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Big Bear, Ca, August 31, 2011, 3:44pm -  Although the identity of the victim from this morning’s motorcycle and vehicle accident has still not been released by the San Bernardino Coroner’s office, more information is available as to the events that lead to that fatal accident.  According to CHP, a female rider on a Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling westbound on North Shore Drive at an unknown speed.  It is uncertain as to whether she was attempting to turn left onto Greenway or continue going straight on North Shore when she was struck by a Jeep Cherokee traveling northbound on Greenway impacting the left side of the motorcycle and ejecting it’s rider.  The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Big Bear City Fire personnel at approximately 7:45am.  The accident caused the intersection at Greenway and North Shore Drive to be closed for 2 to 3 hours with a detour set in place for traffic to avoid the scene of the collision.  The identity of the victim and driver of the Jeep Cherokee is unknown, however, it has been confirmed that the female victim is a mountain resident.   When more information is released we will announce that information as well as post it to our website at bigbearnews.com.

BBHS “Freshman Friday” and Restoration of Quad’s Carved Bear

Big Bear, CA, August 1, 2011, 11:30am – After a little more than six weeks of summer vacation, today is the first day of school for students enrolled through the Bear Valley Unified School District.  Last Friday was “Freshman Friday” at Big Bear High School giving incoming freshmen, and their parents, an opportunity to obtain class schedules, tour the facility and purchase PE clothing and ASB cards.  It was a full house at “Our House”, a motto used by Principal, Mike Ghelber, in reference to Big Bear High.  Mr. Ghelber introduced several student representatives and staff members and some of the school rules were covered during the orientation.  As a follow-up to a story previously announced, Mr. Ghelber tells Kbear that the large carved bear statue that had been vandalized on June 14^th of this year, has been restored to it’s original condition.  The carved bear, located in the quad of Big Bear High, had been spray painted with blue paint and is believed to have been committed by Big Bear High students.  According to Mr. Ghelber, as part of the restoration process, the wooden bear had to sand blasted using baking soda.  In a charitable act by former Big Bear High School graduate, Art Herrera, the bear was then re-varnished.  Additionally, to show his commitment and support of the high school and the Big Bear community, Mr. Herrera has offered to varnish the bear whenever needed.  The vandalism case is still under investigation.

Vandalism At Big Bear High Prompts Request for Public’s Assistance

Big Bear, CA, June 21, 2011, 8:00 am – Administrators at Big Bear High School are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalism at the school.  On Tuesday, June 14^th, vandals trespassed into the quad area of the school and painted a large carved bear statue with blue spray paint.  Additionally, the word “Rim” was painted on the bear.  Although the incident could be considered a year-end prank by rival school district, Rim of the World, Big Bear High Principal, Mike Ghelber, believes Big Bear High students committed the act.  According to Mr. Ghelber, those responsible were savvy enough to avoid setting off the motion detectors in the quad area and, therefore, the assumption is that they had inside knowledge of where the detectors are located.  A reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandals.  Additionally, Mr. Ghelber is requesting the public’s assistance for the best means of removing the spray paint and restoring the shellacked carved bear to it’s original condition.  Anyone with information about the suspects or who can assist in restoration of the bear is being asked to contact the high school at 585-6892.

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UPDATE: Big Bear High School Yearbook Recall

Big Bear, CA, June 15, 2011, 8:00am -  In a press release issued on June 14^th by Tim Larson, Director of Personnel and Education Services for the Bear Valley Unified School District, the school and district administration are conducting an investigation in trying to determine how an inappropriate picture came to be published in the yearbook for the Big Bear High School class of 2011.  As previously broadcast on Kbear, high school administration began distribution of yearbooks late last week when it was discovered that the background of one of the pictures contained material that was inappropriate and not representative of Big Bear High School.  As soon as the oversight was noticed, distribution of the yearbooks stopped immediately Friday afternoon.  Administration and five employees of the District initiated a recall of the yearbooks making phone calls Friday evening and Saturday to the students who had already picked up their yearbooks in an effort to retrieve all distributed yearbooks.  According to Mike Ghelber, Big Bear High School Principal, students are being strongly encouraged to return their yearbook to office staff at the high school.  A replacement page has been approved and is on order.  Students, at this time, have been given two options.  One option is to surrender the yearbook to staff until the replacement page is available or students can also choose to have that one photo cut out of their yearbook.  This option would still allow for students to receive signatures and greetings from their fellow classmates.  Once the replacement page is printed, every student who purchased a yearbook will receive one.  Mr.Ghelber adds that this has been an unfortunate event and the school staff is working diligently to resolve the issue. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate action will be taken based on their findings

Big Bear High School Initiates Recall of 2011 Yearbook

Big Bear, CA, June 13, 2011, 5pm - Last week, the Big Bear High School administration began distribution of yearbooks for the class of 2011 on Thursday and Friday with the intent to complete the distribution today and tomorrow.  However, after many of the yearbooks were already handed out to the students, it came to the school’s attention that an inappropriate photo was contained within the pages.  According to Tim Larson, Director of Curriculum for the Bear Valley Unified School District, as soon as the oversight was noticed, distribution of yearbooks stopped immediately Friday afternoon.  Administration and five employees of the District initiated a recall of the yearbooks making phone calls Friday evening and Saturday to the students who had already picked up their yearbooks in an effort to retrieve all books that were already given out.  Mr. Larson added that the inappropriate photo was an oversight and that this particular photo does not represent Big Bear High School.  According to Mike Ghelber, Big Bear High School Principal, students are strongly encouraged to return their yearbook to office staff at the High School.  A replacement page, that will delete the inappropriate photo, was approved by Mr. Ghelber today and is on order.  Once printed and delivered, the current page will be removed and replaced by the new page.  Students, at this time, are given two options.  One option is to surrender the yearbook to staff until the replacement page is available or students can also choose to have that one photo cut out of their yearbook.  This option would still allow for students to receive signatures and greetings from their fellow classmates.  Once the replacement page is printed, every student who purchased a yearbook will receive one.  Mr.Ghelber adds that this has been an unfortunate event and the school staff is working diligently to resolve the issue.

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