The school board met at the Johnson Valley Community Center last Thursday. Peter Day photo
Members of the Johnson Valley Improvement Association made much appreciated donations to the Lucerne Valley Unified School District during Thursday’s meeting of the LVUSD’s Board of Trustees at the Johnson Valley Community Center.
JVIA board member Daryl Newstad donated auto repair tools to Lucerne Valley Middle High School Principal Jason Story, who will pass along the generous gift to the school’s CTE automotive class. JVIA Board President Arlan Hawthorne said the association wants to make donations for younger student needs like back packs, notebooks, etc. A builder of cigar box guitars, Mr. Hawthorne donated one to the district. Harvey Helfand also donated a cigar box guitar, which school board member Jim Harvey, a resident of Johnson Valley, brought to the meeting and presented to the superintendent.
Members of the school board said they much appreciated the donations.
A year ago, the Lucerne Valley USD presented an award to the Johnson Valley Improvement Association for donating a piano to the Lucerne Valley Middle High School Music Program. Association Vice-President Reiner Kruger accepted the award on behalf of the association.
Two cigar box guitars were donated by Johnson Valley Improvement Association members.
To start off Thursday’s meeting, Harvey began the meeting with a moment of silence for two notable Johnson Valley residents who recently passed away. Betty Munson was a writer who regularly published the Johnson Valley Weekly News print and online newsletter. A number of her articles are available on http://www.johnsonvalley.com/neighborhoodnews.html. Rod Walsh was a Marine who served in the Vietnam era and was exposed to Agent Orange. The cancer that he struggled with in his later years was likely caused by that exposure. Both were great people who will be missed, Harvey said.
During the board meeting, board vice-president Jason Hansen thanked the Johnson Valley Improvement Association and Johnson Valley residents in general for their support.
“When I first moved to the High Desert, this was home,” Hansen said. “I really appreciate you guys and it’s nice to come out here to the community center. I remember all the good times with my wife and kids here. Thanks for having us. I appreciate you.”
SITE REPORTS
Lucerne Valley Elementary Principal Joanna Mora talked about happenings at the school including a special celebration to celebrate the 100th day of school with students dressed up at 100-year-olds. The next day they will dress up as dalmatians, inspired by “101 Dalmatians.” She also told about the successful implementation of the RCA House system. There are less issues including student discipline since the system was implemented.
Assistant Principal Suzie Manley discuss additional exciting things going on at the Elementary School such as the cheer team participating in local parades and other events and the recent addition of the Kindergarten and TK play during the holidays.
Middle/High Principal Jason Story said both staff and students appeared happy to be back after the break. “Every teacher was pumped, and the students were happy to be there.”
Assistant Principal Jessica Haecker talked about the school’s successful “Winter Celebration” music and art event before the break. In general, the school is doing great. “We’re rockin’ and rollin’,” she said.
Assistant Principal Chris Watkins, the latest addition to the Middle/High School admin team, said that because discipline issues are low that he has concentrated on making positive connections with students. “I’m super excited for the culture here,” he said.
School Board President Chelsea LaGrange thanked the association for hosting the meeting and added that she used to come to the Johnson Valley Community Center with her parents every Saturday for breakfast.
Longtime school board member Tom Courtney, who is starting his 30th year as an elected board member, said, “I’ve never seen our district in better shape.” He also complemented the Johnson Valley attendees, “You guys are part of that history.”
Middle School and High School ASB reports were made via pre-recorded video.
Mr. Livingston said that student enrollment is 1,175 “and going steady.” He explained that rising enrollment is rare in California, and many districts are losing students. “We’re gaining kids.” Director of Student Services Vici Miller echoed that by saying, “We’re continuing to get more kids. People are coming here for the school district.”
Assistant Superintendent Olga Fisher also thanked the Johnson Valley attendees for their hospitality.
In the discussion/action portion of the board meeting, the board unanimously approved the Lucerne Valley Unified School District Safety Plan for the 2024-2025 school year. Mandated by the state, the 68-page document details the district’s preparation for a number of potential safety issues ranging from school climate to bullying to emergency lockdowns and more. The board also approved the 3-cent increase of business use mileage to 70 cents per mile, and an Instructional Service Agreement between Victor Valley College and Lucerne Valley Unified School District that establishes a partnership to provide dual enrollment opportunities, aligning high school courses with college standards.
Earlier in the meeting, the board discussed its vision and mission statements. Members agreed that the board will discuss ideas over a number of months to ensure any revisions are well thought out.
Johnson Valley has always been in the Lucerne Valley USD service area even though technically it is located in the Morongo Basin. The school district’s service area extends south into the Rim Rock area, just north of Pioneertown.