BARSTOW UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
APRIL 2026
Page 4
DISTRICT OFFICE
At the heart of any successful school district is a foundation of financial stability and transparency. In the Barstow Unified School District, that foundation is expertly managed by Julie Carter, the Director of Fiscal Services. With a role that balances complex multi-million dollar budgets with the day-to-day needs of our students and staff, Julie ensures that every dollar is directed toward fostering an environment where academic excellence can thrive. Julie’s deep-rooted commitment to the district spans over two decades. She began her career with BUSD in 2002 within the Fiscal Services Department, where she built a strong technical foundation. Her versatile skill set and leadership potential led her to serve as the Superintendent’s Senior Executive Assistant from 2010 to 2019, a role that provided her with a comprehensive view of district-wide operations and strategy. In 2019, she returned to her roots in finance to take the helm as the Director of Fiscal Services. Today, Julie is known for her meticulous oversight of the district’s financial health, navigating the intricacies of state funding and educational grants with precision. Collaborative and approachable, she works closely with department heads and site principals to ensure that resources are allocated equitably and efficiently. Her dedication to transparency not only keeps the district in compliance with rigorous standards but also builds trust within the Barstow community, proving that their investment in local education is in capable hands. Every pencil, laptop, and desk in our classrooms has a journey, and Jose Cruz is the person who makes that journey possible. As the Director of Purchasing and Warehouse for Barstow Unified School District, Jose oversees how the district buys and stores everything we need to run our schools. His job is to make sure our teachers and students have the right tools at the right time, all while making sure the district gets the best value for every dollar spent. Jose’s career at BUSD moved quickly because of his hard work and knack for organization. He joined the team in 2022 as the District Buyer, where he was responsible for finding vendors and handling everyday orders. He did such a great job streamlining the way we buy supplies that he was promoted to Director in 2025. Now, he leads the entire department, managing both the office staff who handle the paperwork and the warehouse team that keeps our supplies moving. Beyond just ordering boxes and tracking inventory, Jose is a true team player. He works closely with principals and department heads to make sure that whatever they need—from new technology to cleaning supplies—fits the district’s goals and budget. By keeping our "supply chain" running smoothly and our warehouse organized, Jose Cruz provides the behind-the-scenes support that keeps our schools open and our students learning. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff is a top priority for the Barstow Unified School District, and Deidre Long stands at the forefront of that mission as the Director of Risk Management. Since stepping into this role in 2016, Deidre has been instrumental in safeguarding the district’s assets and operations. From managing insurance programs and workers' compensation to overseeing safety protocols and emergency preparedness, her work provides the essential security net that allows the district to focus on its core mission: education. Deidre’s journey with BUSD is a testament to her dedication and deep institutional knowledge. She began her career with the district in 2007 as an office assistant substitute, quickly proving her value as she worked her way up to Administrative Assistant in Instructional Support Services. Her sharp analytical skills led to a promotion to Projects Technician in 2012, followed by a pivotal role as the Executive Assistant of Business Services. This upward trajectory through various departments has given her a unique, 360-degree understanding of how the district functions at every level. In her current capacity, Deidre is known for her proactive approach to hazard mitigation and her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments with ease. She is a collaborator at heart, working across departments to implement safety training and wellness initiatives that benefit the entire BUSD community. By balancing technical expertise with a genuine care for the people of Barstow, Deidre Long ensures that our schools remain a safe, secure, and thriving environment for everyone.
Julie Carter Director, Fiscal Services
Jose Cruz, Director, Purchasing & Warehouse
Deidre Long, Director, Risk Management
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