BARSTOW UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
FEBRUARY 2026
Page 4
DISTRICT OFFICE
Jamie Fisher, Director, Instructional Support Svcs.
Carolyn Norman, Director Child Welfare & Attendance (CWA)
Daniel Ortiz, Director Classified Personnel
Maintaining a high-quality school district requires a dedicated team of classified (non-teaching) professionals. The Barstow Unified School District Personnel Commission ensures these staff members are hired and supported through a fair, merit-based system. Daniel Ortiz, the Director of Classified Personnel and Secretary to the Personnel Commission, leads this essential department. Daniel Ortiz’s work ensures BUSD attracts and retains skilled individuals for vital roles like nutrition services, facilities, and office administration.
This month, we spotlight Jamie Fisher, BUSD's Director of Instructional Support Services, a key leader ensuring educators have the necessary tools and students receive a high-quality, equitable education. Her impact is felt in every BUSD classroom. A familiar face, Mrs. Fisher has served BUSD in various leadership roles, including as the Principal of Skyline North Elementary School. Her transition to district-level administration allows her to apply her firsthand school experience to broader instructional goals within the Educational Services division. Mrs. Fisher oversees programs ensuring BUSD meets state standards and community needs to include: State and Federal Programs : Coordinating "Equitable Services" and ensuring compliance. Curriculum and Assessment: Overseeing district-wide assessments and supporting CAASPP testing. Special Grants and Literacy: Leading critical initiatives like the Early Literacy Support Block Grant. English Language Learner (ELL) Support: Monitoring progress and ensuring support for students learning English.
In Barstow Unified School District (BUSD), the mission is to ensure students are supported, present, and safe so they can succeed. Leading this effort is Carolyn Norman, the Director of Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA). Ms. Norman oversees vital systems that connect a student’s home life with their school life. A longtime member of the BUSD leadership team, she brings deep institutional knowledge and empathy to her position. The Director of CWA's role is a bridge between the district and the community, focusing on three primary pillars: Attendance Advocacy: Focusing on prevention, the team works to understand and overcome root causes of absences, such as transportation or personal hardships. Safety and Discipline: Ensuring fair, consistent, and restorative policies for student conduct. Ms. Norman works within the Pupil Services department toward a proactive, supportive model, coordinating with local agencies and meeting with parents to ensure every student feels seen and supported. The CWA office is a resource for families facing challenges with regular attendance.
What is the Personnel Commission?
Established in 1967, the Personnel Commission is a nonpartisan public body that administers the Merit System—a civil service framework that ensures employees are selected, promoted, and retained based on fitness and merit. The Commission's primary responsibilities include: Classification, Rules and Regulations, Appeals and Investigations, and Recruitment and Testing. The work of Daniel Ortiz and the Personnel Commission protects the integrity of hiring practices. The Merit System ensures objective employment decisions, providing a stable and professional environment for staff supporting our students.
How to Contact the Personnel Commission
We thank Jamie Fisher for her dedication.
For questions about classified job openings, the application process, or merit system rules:
Contact Information Office: BUSD Pupil Services Contact: 760-255-6032
Contact Information: Office : Instructional Support Services Phone: 760-255-6024
Director: Daniel Ortiz Office Phone: 760-255-6033
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