BVUSD Board Of Trustees To Meet For Special Workshop

Big Bear, Ca, February 23, 2012, 3:00pm - There will be a special meeting of the  Bear Valley Unified School District on Friday, February 24th at the Big Bear Middle School Library at 5:00pm.  The meeting will focus on a workshop discussing the second interim, which entails the BVUSD board of trustees setting a goal of having a positive certification, which means to be financially self supported this year and into the next two years.  The board will also get an administrative report, and a personnel report, which will include the possible approval of reductions to contracts for the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, and Director of Personnel and Educational Services.  The meeting is open to the public to attend, and those wanting to speak, may do so during public comment time.

Big Bear Idol Competition Sends 11 Finalists to District Competition Finals

Big Bear, Ca, February 21, 2012, – Big Bear Idol took place this last Saturday, and high schoolers from throughout the Big Bear Valley competed for cash prizes in the Big Bear Lake Rotary Club sponsored event!  Nineteen contestants performed in one of three categories: Classical, Non-Classical, and Instrumental.  Those who received 1st place in their respective category received a $300 cash prize, second place finishers received $200, and third place finishers received $100.  In the Non-Classical category, Delaney Warren took first place, followed by Kylar Carody and Zackery Meyer who tied for second, and Jessica Brasher who finished third.  Jodi Cline took first place in the Classical division followed by Ariel Jade Moreno in second, and Megn Lona and Vantashia Wormsbecker tying for third.  In the Instrumental category Alicia Williams took first followed by Tawny Williams in second, and Dru Chilcoat in third.  All 11 finalists are invited to compete at the Rotary District competition finals at the University of Redlands in March, with a top prize of $1000 for the voice and instrumental categories.

BVUSD Budget Advisory Committee Recommends $310K Cuts in School Budget

Big Bear, CA, February 16, 2012, 6:00am – As education budgets continue to dwindle in the state of California, the Budget Advisory Committee for the Bear Valley Unified School District, formed in 2008, met again this week to help provide input and suggestions for assisting the school board in identifying areas of the school budget that could potentially be eliminated.  The Committee met on Wednesday to continue the difficult task of finding areas to reduce $300,000 in the budget that will be a starting point for the Board of Trustees to review.  As meetings are open to the public, a dozen community members were in attendance with four speakers commenting during the public comment section in opposition to previous discussions the Committee has had in regards to exempting 10^th grade students from PE if they are part of at least one high school sports team.  Opponents included Big Bear Middle School PE teacher, Sue Oberneder who stated that such an exemption could have a “life-long everlasting impact” on students and Big Bear High School Principal, Mike Ghelber, who made suggestions on restructuring curriculum at the high school for two classes – Freshman Studies and the On Your Own class – that are now requirements for graduation.  Ultimately, a motion was made by Committee member and Middle School Principal, Tina Fulmer, to revisit the two high school programs and PE exemption in October as more time is needed to restructure policies and amend class schedules.  Walter Con, Director of Business Services, reminded the Committee that it is necessary to address the 2^nd interim goal for a positive certification and the District’s on-going problem of deficient spending.  Additionally, Mr. Con presented a potential reduction in District services in the amount of $115,000 although no other details were presented as an element of personnel issues are involved.  Additionally, the Committee had previously agreed to a $100,000 transportation reduction, $35,000 cut to part-time aides at the three elementary schools and a $60,000 cut by completely closing schools during the summer months to save energy costs.  The Budget Advisory Committee recommendations will be presented to the BVUSD Board of Trustees for final approval  along with recommendations by Superintendent Kurt Madden, that may or may not differ from the Committee’s recommendations, on February 24^th.

Budget Advisory Committee Meets Today

Big Bear, CA, February 15, 2012, 1:00pm -This afternoon, beginning at 3:15pm, the Budget Advisory Committee for the Bear Valley Unified School District will meet to continue discussions regarding recommendations for school budget cuts with a goal at this time to reduce $300,000 to the budget.  Superintendent Kurt Madden will ultimately decide what suggestions will be presented to the BVUSD Board of Trustees.  The committee was formed in 2008 and consists of members of the community, District personnel and school and union representatives who have the difficult task of reviewing items for reduction to the school budget which could ultimately lead to budget cuts, as decided upon by the School Board.  The committee continues to bring suggestions to the table from recommendations received throughout the community.  Meetings are open to the public with the opportunity for members of the community to address the Committee concerning agenda items.   Today’s meeting will be held at the Big Bear Middle School at 41275 Big Bear Boulevard.

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Public Hearing on Parcel Tax Set for March 21st

Big Bear, Ca, February 14, 2012, 4:00pm - Due to the recent proposed budget cuts to the Bear Valley Unified School District, including cuts to the home to school transportation fund, the BVUSD Board of Trustees is considering the option of funding through a parcel tax.  Part of the process to implement a parcel tax is to hold a public hearing on the tax, to allow the public to find out more information, voice opinions and ask questions.  The trustees will then consider adopting a resolution proposing to establish a qualified special tax to be submitted for voter approval on July 10^th.  The parcel tax would not exceed $99 per year for a total of six years for a variety of educational programs, including the maintenance of programs in math, science, reading, writing, art, music, as well as for the retention of qualified teachers and keeping schools safe and clean, and would guarantee an exception for certain seniors and disabled persons.  The public hearing is set for March 21^st of this year at 6:30pm in the Library of Big Bear Middle School, and everyone is invited to attend.

“Preteen Vaccine Week” Begins this Week

San Bernardino, CA, February 13, 2012, 8:00am: The County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health is promoting “Preteen Vaccine Week” which is February 12^th through 18^th as part of a nationwide effort to remind families of preteens and adolescents about recommended and required immunizations.  A new immunization requirement was added in for all incoming 7th graders to be immunized against whooping cough.  Parents are encouraged to consult with their child’s medical provider to receive the recommended immunizations for preteens & adolescents 11-18 years of age.  If children do not have health insurance or are under insured, information is available about the Vaccines for Children Program which provides vaccines at low-cost.  For Department of Public Health Clinic locations, schedules and appointments, call 1-800-722-4777, Monday  – Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, or visit www.sbcounty.gov/dph.  For additional immunization information, you can also visit www.shotsforschool.org.

BVUSD Approves Parcel Tax Consulting Agreement with TBWB Strategies

Big Bear, CA, February 9, 2012, 8:00am – Last night the Bear Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees met in a Special Board meeting to discuss one heavily weighted agenda item.  Board members reviewed a Parcel Tax Consulting Agreement presented by Charles Heath of TBWB Strategies, a political consulting firm.  Mr. Heath most recently outlaid the process and challenges for implementing a Parcel Tax in a meeting on February 6^th.  At that meeting, Mr. Heath made the recommendation to the Board that our community be surveyed or polled to determine today’s opinions regarding implementing a Parcel Tax to help protect our schools financially from the State’s budget cuts.  Survey and tracking information from 2010 and 2011 was presented at last Monday’s meeting.  This Wednesday night’s discussion debated the value of paying for another survey as well as the overall cost of the TBWB Strategies agreement.  Superintendent Kurt Madden made a recommendation to the Board to approve the Parcel Tax Consulting Agreement, totaling $53,705 using District Fund 40 dollars and entering into an agreement with the firm.  District Fund 40 dollars can be used only for capitol expenses for one-time monies.  The $53,705 agreement breakdown consisted of an $18,750 base charge, $18,900 new survey, $10,655 for informational brochure costs, $2,400 for travel expenses for Mr. Heath as well as miscellaneous charges.  Many Board members expressed concern for committing to spend dollars on another survey.  As Dr.Al Waner commented, the survey won’t matter much if the plan is to go ahead with a Parcel Tax anyway.  Paul Zamoyta suggested using the almost $19,000 survey cost to inform the public with pre-campaign mailers and that those dollars may be better spent on educating the public as to why a Parcel Tax is necessary.  Ultimately, the Board voted unanimously to approve $34,805 for the Parcel Tax Consulting Agreement eliminating the expense for a new survey.  Board President, Randy Putz, stated for the record that he was uncomfortable with moving forward without a new survey.  Additionally, the Board discussed their initial thoughts on how much the Parcel Tax should be but several stated it was too soon to know that answer.  The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held on February 15^th.

Big Bear Middle School Gets Healthy Food, New Cameras and School Spirit

Big Bear, Ca, February 8, 2012, 5:00pm - Changes are coming to Big Bear Middle School, and many are due in part to the Positive School Climate Committee that has been reinvigorated this year in large part to Dena Arbaugh, employee at the middle school.  Arbaugh along with middle school teachers, administrators, parents, and concerned community members are making headway on some very important issues including healthier school lunches, empowering students, school spirit, and beautification of the school campus to include more shade for students.  Due to the committees hopes to see healthier food on campus, a new fresh salad bar with healthy food options will appear at the middle school within the next month, with district hopes to spread the healthy food items to the elementary schools and high schools in the next few months.  The committee has also come up with the idea of having different student groups come together and create artwork to hang in the halls of the campus to inspire the students, and to leave a legacy.  Another important issue the committee is excited about is the recent purchase and installation of video surveillance cameras throughout the campus.  The cameras and associated equipment was purchased due to a $20,000 donation from Soroptimists of Big Bear Valley, and their Stop Teen Violence program.  The new camera’s are in place, and have already helped deter school violence, and has aided in solving disputes, and has kept the students accountable.  Donors are being sought by the positive school climate committee to help provide shade for the students.  For more information on how to donate call Dena Arbaugh at Big Bear Middle School at (909) 866-4634.

BVUSD Learns More on How to Develop A Successful Parcel Tax Measure

Big Bear, CA, February 7, 2012, 5:00pm -The Bear Valley Unified School District’s Board of Trustees held a Special Board Workshop meeting Monday evening to learn more about what is needed in pursuing a Parcel Tax in the Big Bear Valley.  At a meeting on February 1^st, the Board had agreed to move forward with a Parcel Tax election to help our School District fund our student’s education in light of dramatic budget cuts from Sacramento.  Political consultant, Charles Heath of TBWB Strategies outlaid that process for the Board and eighteen members of the public in attendance.  The inherent political challenges facing the implementation of a Parcel Tax, that would allow for school programs and services to be funded as outlined by our School District, were thoroughly discussed by Mr. Heath which included key strategies and election date considerations that the Board will need to make a decision on soon.  Mr. Heath is recommending a July 10^th election day in the form of a mail ballot allowing for sufficient time to draft the measure, educate the community, organize supporters, establish committees and more.  Initial ballot testing, by way of surveys, were done in both 2010 and 2011.  Due to the current economic climate, Mr. Heath is recommending a new survey be completed to determine how the public would feel about a Parcel Tax measure this year since it’s difficult to make decisions using old data.  The investment for moving forward with a Parcel Tax does not come inexpensively.  A new poll, of 300 residents, would cost the District between $17,000 and $19,000.  Additionally, the cost of a mail ballot is $50,000 in comparison to putting forth the Parcel Tax during a regular election when it would cost between $18,000 and $20,000.  Mr. Heath explained that the success of a favorable Parcel Tax vote, which needs two-thirds majority support, would depend on volunteers and money.  He continued to explain that 60 to 80 dedicated volunteers and between $40,000 and $45,000 in fundraising dollars will be what it takes.  And, the District cannot financially support this aspect of the tax measure.  Tried and true methods to raise private funds were discussed including requesting donations from organizations that benefit from supporting the schools as well as vendors that do business with the School District and even passing the hat at parent pick up.  How much is the big question in regards to the tax measure and the answer lies within the tax tolerance of this community.  Mr. Heath outlined various tax rate dollar considerations from as low as $25 and as high as $99 although he fully admitted; a $99 tax rate is far-fetched.  Not surprisingly, support is known to increase as the tax rate drops. With the financial crisis our School District is faced with it’s important to understand that the Parcel Tax won’t solve all of the District’s financial woes but the promise could be make to prevent the worst of those cuts by passing a Parcel Tax that would most likely remain in place for 4 to 6 years until the State is conceivably back on track financially.  Exact details of the measure have yet to be determined but BVUSD has placed notice of a public hearing for March 21^st at 6:30pm at the Big Bear Middle School Library to consider adopting a resolution proposing to establish this special tax for our schools guaranteeing exemption for certain seniors and disabled residents.  The Board is expected to meet again on Wednesday, February 8^th at 5:15pm at the School District Office located on Moonridge Road to take action regarding the new survey.  Stay tuned to KBHR for more details.

Education Trust Fundraiser At Club Bombay

Big Bear, Ca, February 7, 2012, 12:00pm – The Big Bear Valley Education Trust is holding a fundraiser at Club Bombay on Wednesday, February 8^th from 6:30 to 9:00pm. The Education Trust formed in 2009, when a group of concerned citizens decided to explore ways to support out local schools.  Since then the Education Trust has helped bring 25 volunteers into classrooms to aid teachers, speakers have visited and talked with high school students about different career paths, and currently 25-30 teachers are going through GATE Training, which stands for Gifted and Talented Education.  The Education Trust is funding the fees for the teachers to attend the classes that will expose teachers to different methods of working and teaching young people, by presenting material in a different way to make it more appealing, exciting, and engaging to students.  The fundraiser at Club Bombay will help fund the classes, as well as support other programs of the Education Trust.  Attendees will receive a complimentary 2012 membership to Friends of the Big Bear Valley Education Trust along with the ticket price.

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