BARSTOW UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD School Board of Trustees
MAY 2026
Page 8
Elizabeth Givens Trustee
Leonard Williams President
Aaron Heldreth Vice President
Anthony Yslas Clerk
Ray Perea Trustee
A Legacy of Excellence : Celebrating Our 2025-2026 Retirees
As the 2025-2026 school year draws to a close, the Board of Trustees invites our entire community to pause and honor a remarkable group of individuals. This year, we say farewell to twelve dedicated professionals who are embarking on their well-deserved retirement. Collectively, these educators and staff members represent over 250 years of combined experience. From the classrooms to the front offices, they have been the backbone of our district, shaping the lives of thousands of students and mentoring countless colleagues. Our Honored RetireesWe extend our deepest gratitude to the following individuals for their unwavering commitment to our schools:
Holly Bowser will retire after 37 years with Barstow Unified School District, most recently serving as the Teacher on Special Assignment and Coordinator of Barstow High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) progams. She says she knew from age 4 she wanted to become a teacher.
“I was blessed to have such inspiring role models in my educational journey in Barstow Unified School District. Returning as a young teacher after five years working in Moorpark Unified was a true homecoming, allowing me to serve the community that shaped me. Working at Barstow High now completes that full-circle journey. I am the teacher that Barstow Unified built.” Thank you, Holly!
Willie Butts III after 3 years of dedicated service. Deanna Swearingen after 6 years of dedicated service. Denise Yates after 9 years of dedicated service. Anthony Jones after 21 years of dedicated service. Lisa Shipley after 22 years of dedicated service. Vivian Archer after 23 years of dedicated service. Michelle Mellody after 23 years of dedicated service. Juan Peralta after 24 years of dedicated service. Tammy Dittman after 26 years of dedicated service. Vince Wiiliams Sr. after 31 years of dedicated service. Monica Chong after 33 years of dedicated service. Holly Bowser after 37 years of dedicated service.
Monica Chong was a part of Barstow Unified School District for 33 years before retiring in September 2025. As the evening custodian at Lenwood Elementary, she ensured the campus was ready to welcome students and staff every day. Her smile brightened the day of anyone she talked with, especially the students. Thank you, Monica!
Their departure is bittersweet. While we will miss their wisdom, their humor, and their institutional knowledge, we are thrilled to see them enter this next chapter of life. They leave behind a legacy of "Excellence in Education" that will continue to inspire us long after they have cleared their desks.
Vince Williams has served the students and staff of Barstow Unified School District for 31 years as a teacher, principal and, most recently, as District Athletic Director. He says his greatest memory is the Barstow High School Aztecs Football Team winning the CIF State 4-AA Championship.
School Board Emails:
He says every year carries a great memory of a player or coach. His wish for Barstow Unified is to continue to grow our programs and facilities and increase success in all sports at both the high school and junior high school levels. Thank you, Vince!
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the administration, and the families of this district, we say thank you. Congratulations on your retirement—you have earned every bit of the relaxation and adventure that lies ahead!
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