BBHS Bears Celebrate a Belated Winterfest With Pep Assembly Honoring Court of Bradley, Dietz, Murie, Muro and Solis

Sugarloaf, CA — This weekend, rescheduled from six weeks ago due to snow, is Big Bear High School’s Winterfest Dance at Northwoods Resort. The Winterfest Court, nominated by the Class of 2010, includes seniors Parker Bradley, Kevin Dietz, Jake Murie, Eddie Muro and Antonio Solis. The court was presented in a BBHS pep assembly this morning, and were escorted by their moms: Diane, Sandy, Kathy, Rosalinda and Victoria. Today’s assembly at Our House also included recognition of Bears winter sports squads–including boys and girls basketball, girls soccer and boys wrestling—as each of these teams made it to post-season CIF competition. Other highlights at the March 19 assembly included a preview of the Performing Arts Department’s “Once Upon a Mattress” (to be onstage at the PAC in April), short and often hilarious movie spoofs filmed and presented by each member of the Winterfest Court, and a dance-off hosted by “Mario Lopez” (aka Principal Michael Ghelber); the senior class won the competition that also included BBHS staffers doing their version of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” The Class of 2010’s Winterfest King will be crowned at Saturday night’s dance. Monday, March 22, is a late start day for BBHS students.

“It’s Heartbreaking”: 36 Teachers Affected by Yesterday’s School District Notifications

Big Bear Lake, CA — Teachers across the state of California received pink slips yesterday, indicating that their positions could be eliminated in the 2010/2011 school year. Of those nearly 22,000 employees of public education, 26.8 are from among the Bear Valley Unified School District which, at present, employs 134 full-time teachers. In a conversation with BVUSD’s Superintendent Dr. Nancy Wright, she explains, “There were 26.8 FTE, which means full-time equivalency, but the reduction enforced actually impacts 36 people—so 36 received notice from BVUSD on Monday. Of those 36, some may get a reduction in hours, but it will depend on the program and schedules. The final decision will have to be made by May 15. It changes hourly based on what the state is doing, but our staff is dedicated and very skilled in determining what our financial picture will be as we begin the new funding year in July.”
Superintendent Wright goes on to explain that of those 26.8 certificated positions that may not return in the coming school year, some of those teachers may have reductions to, say, two periods or teaching half-time. “It will be a period over the next six weeks that will determine our enrollment,” she says, “as families are leaving or coming in to the district. We are developing the budget on the assumption that we will lose 100 students of our just over 2,800. Last year, BVUSD developed the budget based on the assumption of 73 students leaving because of the economy and, this fall, it turned out that we lost 191 students because of the financial crisis in the job market.”
Reduced student numbers translates to less ADA funding for the district and, as they make efforts to remain fiscally solvent, there have been cuts beyond the potential reduction of staffing. BVUSD has reduced or not replaced positions in the district office, management has taken salary rollbacks in furlough days, the librarian’s role at Big Bear High School has been reduced, and adult education services will be eliminated in 2010/2011. Adds Dr. Wright, “So much has been cut before. We have continued to reduce our staff and services over the last three years, while we have also been spending our reserves to keep what we have in place. Funding for public education has diminished greatly, so that we are forced to increase class sizes and eliminate programs. In spite of all the difficulties, in spite of the challenges of trying to continue to offer a comprehensive education for every student, I do believe that, collectively, our community and our staff will join together as they’ve done in the past and help us to implement some creative solutions and offer the best education that we possibly can under the circumstances. I know our staff will continue to do whatever it takes with the students in their classrooms, and I know that our support staff and our leadership team will continue to look to the future to provide the standards of education that our community expects and that our students deserve.”
Still, the pink slips have been issued to 36 this week, as mandated, and Wright is first to concede, “It is heartbreaking to know that we are impacting people’s lives, families and careers and that we are impacting the quality of education that we can provide our students.”
Going forward, the Superintendent says, “We welcome input from our staff and community and encourage them to attend our meetings.” Upcoming meetings, during which time there will be room for public comment, include this evening’s Budget Advisory Committee meeting at the school district offices on Moonridge Road at 5:30pm (and again on Mondays, March 22 and 29) and Wednesday’s school board meeting, also at the D.O. and scheduled to begin in open session at 6:30pm.

Twenty-Six BVUSD Teachers Among Nearly 22,000 Receiving Budget-Prompted Pink Slips Today

Big Bear Lake, CA — Nearly 22,000 public school employees will be receiving pink slips in California today, March 15, and, of those, 26 are teachers employed by the Bear Valley Unified School District. Each year on March 15, school districts are legally required to notify staff if their positions could be eliminated in the coming school year. In anticipation of this deadline, on March 3, BVUSD’s Board of Trustees voted to increase teacher-student ratios in the 2010/2011 school year, per Budget Advisory Committee recommendations to address budget cuts; this decision, which was followed by a March 4 statement indicating the trustees’ “deep regret for the action they were required to take,” eliminates 15 full-time teacher positions at the elementary level, eight at Big Bear Middle School and 3.8 positions at Big Bear High School. In a statement issued by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today, he says, “Our state budget crisis has forced districts to lay off thousands of teachers over the past few years. The Governor has proposed cutting another $2.4 billion from public education. While the education community opposes these cuts, our schools are forced to prepare for this potential outcome by issuing a massive wave of potential layoff notices. To date, 21,905 pink slips have been issued to teachers and other staff around the state this year. While I understand the Governor and the Legislature have tough decisions to make, these budget cuts are devastating our schools and impacting our ability to do the most important job in our society—that is, to teach our children.” The 26 receiving pink slips from BVUSD are among the 134 full-time teachers employed by the district. School staff and community members who would like to contribute input regarding budget issues will have opportunity tomorrow, as the district’s Budget Advisory Committee meets at 5:30pm Tuesday evening; the March 16 BAC meeting will be held at the school district offices, located at 42271 Moonridge Road in Big Bear Lake.

BVUSD’s School Board Expresses Their “Deep Regret” While Approving Pink Slips for 26 of 134 Teachers

Big Bear Lake, CA — Of the Bear Valley Unified School District’s 134 full-time teachers, 26 can expect pink slips come March 15, which is the day that school districts are mandated to notify certificated staff members that their positions could be eliminated in the coming school year. This decision, to eliminate 26.8 teaching positions, was made at last night’s Board of Trustees meeting. Though a painful decision, it was also unanimous and consistent with the school district’s three-year budget reduction plan that was recommended by the Budget Advisory Committee and then approved by the school board in November. It was at that time, back in November, that Beverly Grabe, a former teacher who has since been named Board President, said of their decision, “I think that this is probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever been a part of, especially when it affects kids and it affects jobs.”
One of 24 budget cut recommendations was to increase all class sizes in school year 2010/2011. In this current school year, grades kindergarten through third have a student/teacher ratio of 24.94 to 1 and this will be increased to 30 to 1, while fourth through sixth grades will have a 32 to 1 ratio in 2010/2011. This will account for the elimination of 15 full-time classroom teachers at the elementary level, of the 26 who will receive the March 15 notifications. Reductions at the middle school will amount to eight teaching positions and, at the high school level, this amounts to 3.8 positions. The teacher/student ratios at the secondary grades will effectively go from 160 to 180 student contacts per day.
No specific individuals were cited for layoff notices at the March 3 BVUSD meeting; rather, the Board agreed upon the particular services that would be eliminated, after unanimously approving a resolution indicating how tie-breakers would be determined in terms of seniority related to certificated layoffs. Superintendent Dr. Nancy Wright and the Board of Trustees, which includes Beverly Grabe, Ken Turney, Randall Putz, Debra Sarkisian and Paul Zamoyta, posted a letter to BVUSD staff this morning, which reads “that this is one of the hardest things they have had to do and want each of you to know that this was not a choice. It is required because the Governor and the Legislature are not taking education seriously.” The statement goes on to encourage participation and input during the budget review process and closes with, “once again, the Board of Trustees wishes to express their deep regret for the action they were required to take and plead for your understanding.”
In other news related to teaching positions, the Board did accept resignation notices from three certificated staff members, those being BBMS teacher Robert Williams, Baldwin Lane Elementary’s Harry Steimer and Tina Thompson from Big Bear Elementary.

Student Snow Days to Be Made Up on March 29-April 2; BVUSD Spring Break Begins April 5

Today (March 4) is a minimum day for students at Big Bear Middle School and all three elementaries, to allow for teachers’ strategic planning on this and every Thursday afternoon. And, as far as student attendance, parents are reminded that all Bear Valley Unified schools will be in session through the end of March, and into April. The dates of March 29 through April 2 are on the school calendar as snow makeup days and, given the eight snow days used so far this school year, student attendance will be expected that week, with official Spring Break for BVUSD students on April 5 through 9. As Superintendent Dr. Nancy Wright mentioned to KBHR earlier, “We have eight snow days built in to the calendar, so we hope families will plan to send their children to school during that last week in March, which we have calendared as snow makeup days, so that we receive the ADA funding that will allow us to continue important programs at BVUSD. Official Spring Break is April 5 through the 9th, so those are five spring break days, plus the weekend before and the weekend after.” An official statement on the snow makeup days, posted on the school district’s website, notes that snow makeup days “will be counted as regular student attendance days and all the same attendance rules and state laws apply to students being in school. It is important that your student attend school on those days in the same way they would on any other day. The week of April 5 through 9 is the official Spring Break and these dates will not be affected, even in the event of additional snow days.” Those with questions on the school calendar are asked to contact the principal at your child’s school site.
BVUSD school phone numbers
Baldwin Lane Elementary School: 585-7766
Big Bear Elementary School: 866-4638
Fallsvale Elementary School: 794-8630
North Shore Elementary School: 866-7501
Big Bear Middle School: 866-4634
Big Bear High School: 585-6892
Chautauqua High School: 585-2521

Amber Carpenter and Caitlin Marie Pletcher Named Big Bear Idols in Rotary Club’s Annual Music Competition

Big Bear Lake, CA — The annual Big Bear Idol competition, hosted by the Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake and open to high-school aged vocalists and instrumentalists, took place at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday evening, February 20. Of the three participating in the instrumental competition, first place and a $300 cash prize went to Caitlin Marie Pletcher for her cello performance; Drew Chilcoat, also on cello, placed second and won $200; and violinist Hunter Soles took third and a $100 cash prize. Twelve high school vocalists competed before the large and supportive audience at the PAC, and Big Bear High School senior Amber Carpenter placed first in both the classical and non-classical categories, earning her two cash prizes of $300 each, and the opportunity to compete in the next phase of competition at the Rotary Club District level later this year. Vocalist Tori Waner placed second and Jodie Cline placed third, earning them $200 and $100 respectively; Waner and Cline, like Carpenter, placed in both classical and non-classical categories, so each won two cash prizes. Brian Adams served as master of ceremonies, engaging the crowd while the judges conferred during the Big Bear Idol competition; in the next round of performances incorporating finalists from much of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, high school performers will be eligible for cash prizes up to $1000.

BVUSD School Board Approves 2010/2011 Calendar and Is Poised to Move Forward with Union Negotiations

Big Bear Lake, CA — The new school calendar, for Bear Valley Unified’s 2010/2011 school year, was approved at this week’s meeting of the Board of Trustees, and eight snow days have been factored in to the calendar for the school year that begins on Tuesday, August 3. The calendar also maintains the minimum day Thursdays for Big Bear Middle School and the elementaries, to allow for teachers’ strategic planning in the afternoons, while also maintaining the roughly twice-a-month late start Mondays for Big Bear High School. (FYI, Monday the 22nd is a late start day at BBHS.)
The February 17 meeting also included a public hearing with regard to the initial proposals that BVUSD presented to the unions, BVEA for certificated staff and CSEA for classified staff, on February 3; as there was no comment, either for or against, these proposals, negotiations will begin though no meetings with either union have yet been scheduled. As presented to the bargaining units, the school district has, loosely put, proposed “adjusting and/or restructuring the current salary schedule in an amount that will protect the fiscal integrity of the district.” For classified staff in CSEA, the bargaining proposal also suggests requiring certain employees to work on days when snow removal is needed; for teachers in BVEA, adjustments to class size and staffing ratios are proposed.
The Board of Trustees, led by President Beverly Grabe, also approved the hiring of Carol Craig, a secretary in the Healthy Start program, to assume the position of the high school counselors’ secretary; Sima Mills was hired as a special education instructional aide.
BVUSD’s Budget Advisory Committee also met this week, on Thursday, and though no actions were taken, the BAC is planning to hold informational meetings for both staff and the community; the next regular meeting of the Budget Advisory Committee is scheduled for March 2 at 1:30pm at the district office. Those with input regarding budget cuts are welcome to attend the BAC meetings; agendas and minutes are posted on the school district’s website.

Bears Wrap Basketball Season With At-Home Loss in First Round CIF Play

The Big Bear High School boys varsity basketball team wrapped their season with last night’s loss to Alemany High School in a score of 67-97 in first round CIF play. Wednesday’s loss was despite 14 points by Daniel Campuzano and 17 points, four steals and seven rebounds by Parker Bradley. The Bears, led by Coach Bo Kent, finished the basketball season with a 15-9 record and placed second overall for the De Anza League. The team thanks the Big Bear community for their cheers and support at last night’s game at Our House.

Bears Basketball Teams Hosts First Round CIF Game Wednesday

Big Bear High School’s boys varsity basketball team, which wrapped regular De Anza League play with a 6-2 record last week (and 15-8 overall), advances to CIF competition this evening. The Bears’ first round of CIF play will be held at Big Bear High School with a 7pm basketball game against the Alemany Warriors of Mission Hills. Tickets to the game go on sale at 6pm, at a cost of $8, though $5 with BBHS student ID.
In other BBHS sports news, the girls JV soccer team earned first place in De Anza League, given their undefeated season!

Bears Play for DeAnza League Basketball Title; Minimum Day for BBMS, Elementaries on Eve of Four-Day Weekend

Big Bear Valley, CA — Each Thursday is a minimum day for Big Bear Middle School and elementary students, to allow for teacher’s strategic planning in the afternoon, and that is the case for today as well, despite the upcoming holiday. All BVUSD students are on the eve of a four-day weekend, as Friday is a school holiday in observance of Lincoln’s birthday and Monday, February 15 is a school holiday in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday.
In other school news, the Bears varsity boys basketball team won their game over Desert Hot Springs yesterday in a score of 76-68 (given double figures from Parker Bradley, Dylan Helm, Owen David and Daniel Campuzano) and, this evening, they play for the league title. Big Bear High School’s team travels to 29 Palms for a 7:30pm game that will determine the De Anza League championship.
Update: The Bears varsity boys basketball team lost their game against 29 Palms last night. It was said to be an intense game, with a final score of 46-56. The Bears ended regular season play with a record of 6-2 and though they did not win the De Anza League championship, they will be eligible for post-season CIF play.

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