BARSTOW UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Page 4 DISTRICT OFFICE
MARCH 2026
John Larsen, Director, FMO
Veronica Calderon, Director Nutrition Services
Neale Aulkah, Director, IT
Barstow Unified School District is proud to officially introduce John Larsen, who joined the BUSD family this past November as the Director of Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations (FMO). Bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the district, John has spent his first few months auditing our facilities and getting to know the unique needs of our campuses. As Director, John is responsible for the strategic oversight of all district infrastructure, ensuring that our schools are not only functional and safe but also environments that foster student pride and academic excellence. From long-term construction planning to the immediate needs of daily operations, John’s leadership ensures that the physical foundations of our district remain rock-solid. The FMO department serves as the quiet engine of BUSD, handling everything from the air we breathe in our classrooms to the safety of the playgrounds where our students play. Supporting John in this massive undertaking is Diane Corhn, the Administrative Assistant, who serves as the department’s organizational hub. Diane manages the complex flow of work orders, vendor relations, and scheduling, ensuring that every request is tracked and every technician is where they need to be. Together, John and Diane provide the leadership and coordination necessary to keep a modern school district running at peak performance.
Led by Director Veronica Calderon and Manager Cynthia Lattin Oliveira, BUSD Nutrition Services is a cornerstone of student wellness, providing accessible, nourishing, year-round meals. Key staff, including Stanley Ta'ase and Tammy Trujillo, and delivery drivers Demetra Baldonado, Isaiah Cervantes, and Jose Marquez, ensure fresh, high-quality offerings reach every campus for programs like "Power Fueled Breakfast" and "Grab & Go." The department uses the "Offer vs. Serve" model, emphasizing fresh produce and student choice. At breakfast, students must select at least three items, including a half-cup of fruits or vegetables. For lunch, students must choose three of five components (grains, protein, milk, fruit, and vegetables) but are encouraged to take all five. Interactive topping bars, featuring Pico de Gallo and seasonal vegetables, enhance the dining experience. These efforts reflect impressive reach: by January 2026, Nutrition Services served 127,680 breakfasts, 304,220 lunches, and 13,893 CACFP suppers, providing a year-round nutritional safety net for the Barstow community. Menus and nutritional information are available at barstowschoolcafe.com.
IT Director Neale Aulakh is driving a digital transformation at Barstow Unified School District (BUSD), using technology to boost student achievement and equity. His Technology & Information Services team ensures reliable access. The technical infrastructure is maintained by Network Systems Specialists Steven Buergin and Mark Faul, Senior Network Computer Technician Joshua Collins, Network and Computer Systems Technicians Greg Burcham, Todd Hutton, Randy Benavente, Steven Richardson, and Alex Glaze, and Information Tech Assistant Kyle Jones, guaranteeing secure connectivity. Tammi Harper and Chrystal Hoody manage data, overseeing the Student Information System (SIS) and Infinite Campus for accurate student records. Aulakh fosters collaboration with educators, preparing BUSD for a connected future through technical expertise and human-centric leadership. Aulakh's future focus is integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education for personalized learning, shifting technology from consumption to creation, and automating tasks to free up teacher time for mentorship. This strategy aims to develop future-ready digital citizens. BUSD uses ParentSquare for streamlined communication (mass notifications and direct messaging). Families can also find news and resources on the district website.
Nutrition Services Phone Number: 760-255-6069
For IT support, call 760-255-5174.
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