BARSTOW UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
FEBRUARY 2026
Page 8
SCHOOL BOARD School Board of Trustees
Elizabeth Givens Trustee
Leonard Williams President
Aaron Heldreth Vice President
Anthony Yslas Clerk
Ray Perea Trustee
New Governance Handbook
The BUSD Governance Team, comprising the Senior Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Superintendent and Board of Trustees, has worked to develop a formal framework for effective leadership and district oversight. This handbook serves as a guide for the team's ongoing work regarding unity of purpose, roles, norms and protocols to benefit all students and staff within the district. The development of this handbook was a collaborative process involving a series of four (4) governance workshops held on the following dates: ● September 9, 2025 ● September 23, 2025 ● November 6, 2025 ● January 13, 2026 During these sessions, the team worked to define the board's mission, vision, and core values. This process was facilitated with the assistance of Jan Gonzales and Richard Bray, Superintendent's Advisors from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS). Vision Statement: Barstow Unified School District will provide a safe, fair, equitable, and quality educational experience to ensure each student reaches their full potential and makes positive contributions to their communities. Mission: Barstow Unified School District’s continuing mission is to provide a foundation for sustained educational excellence for all students. By setting clear goals and expectations, the Barstow Unified School District will create innovative learning environments that prepare and inspire all students and staff, by adhering to our Statement of Principles, our students will thrive academically, contribute to society, and lead healthy, purposeful lives.
1. Integrity: We are committed to earning and maintaining trust through accountability, fairness, and serving the best interest of the students by consistently acting with honesty, upholding ethical standards, and making responsible choices. 2. Student Achievement: We are committed to helping students achieve the highest levels of success, utilizing data-driven decision-making in line with the Barstow Unified School District Statement of Principles. 3. Fiscal Responsibility: We are committed to being educated and responsible stewards of the funds entrusted to us to maximize the greatest student success through transparency with all stakeholders and to maintain long-term fiscal solvency. 4. Equal Opportunity and Inclusionary Processes: We are committed to ensuring students, staff, and the community receive equitable opportunities through district policies. 5. Safety: We are committed to providing safe and healthy environments for all students and staff. 6. Collaborative Teamwork with Staff and Unions: We are committed to collaborative teamwork with our employees to advance student achievement and staff interests. 7. Building Community Partnerships We are committed to fostering strong partnerships and maintaining regular communication with families and the community to enhance students' learning options and interests.
When and how to contact the School Board You should contact the school board when you have concerns or questions about the district’s policies, budget, school programs, or safety issues. It's also a good idea to reach out if you want to participate in public meetings, share ideas, or provide feedback about your child’s school. For specific personal issues, like student discipline or individual school matters, it's often best to first contact the school or district administration.
School Board Emails: aaron_heldreth@busdk12.com ray_perea@busdk12.com anthony_yslas@busdk12.com leonard_williams@busdk12.com elizabeth_givens@busdk12.com
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