The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools co-hosted this year’s “State of Education” address, presented by Superintendent Ted Alejandre at the Hilton Garden Inn in Victorville last week. Here are some highlights:
Students Awarded Scholarships
Approximately $12,500 in scholarships were awarded to 25 students during the event. District Director Kimberly Mesen was pleased to present three $500 scholarships to local students on behalf of our office. They went to:
- Anahi Duran of Academy of Academic Excellence
- Jasmine Martinez of Sultana High School
- Mia Ramirez of Oak Hills High School
Distinguished High Desert Schools
Alejandre highlighted several notable achievements from our region during his presentation, noting that four High Desert schools were named California Distinguished Schools last year:
- Melva Davis Academy of Excellence, Adelanto Elementary School District
- Hesperia High School, Hesperia Unified School District
- Oak Hills High School, Hesperia Unified School District
- University Preparatory, Victor Valley Union High School District
Additionally, Victor Elementary School District received a Golden Bell Award for its Child Welfare & Attendance Liaison program.
Preparing Students for the Future
Alejandre emphasized the importance of schools preparing students for the future – emotionally, socially, and professionally. He noted the unique industries in the High Desert, such as mining, and highlighted programs — such as Mountain Desert Career Pathways — being developed to meet the needs of local employers.
New Opportunities at Victor Valley College
Exciting news from Victor Valley College! They are now offering a 4-year degree in respiratory therapy, with even more programs in the works, including court reporting, pharmacy technology, and a Spanish-taught medical assistant degree.
Tech Upgrades for the High Desert
The future looks bright for educational technology in the High Desert! A 100 gigabyte Internet expansion is planned in partnership with Victor Valley College. “This will bring carrier-level connectivity to rural and underserved areas, including our significantly underserved tribal and remote desert
communities,” said Alejandre. The full build-out is expected over 5-7 years.
Concurrent College Courses
Excelsior’s Early College Academy in Victorville now offers concurrent college courses for students grades 7-12.
New Superintendents
Jerry Jennex (Trona JUSD), Josh Behnke (Helendale), and Milan Stijepovic (Baker Valley) joined the High Desert community as new superintendents.
Significant Grants
Seven High Desert districts and three charter schools received grants to transform schools into resource hubs for families and communities. All High Desert districts received $100,000 literacy grants this year to focus on strategies to improve literacy. Additionally, a $1 million grant will provide teachers with the opportunity to learn the latest computer science skills, including how to safely use Artificial Intelligence (AI). I’m excited to see these advancements continue to benefit students and the High Desert community!