The Kern High School District’s (KHSD) 2016 Principal Partners’ Day (PPD) was a tremendous success, showcasing the innovative career technical education programs in the KHSD, as well as celebrating the commitment of local educators and community partnerships.
The District’s annual “open house” half-day event at 20 KHSD school sites gives local leaders and business partners an opportunity to learn more about each individual school, its programs, staff, and remarkable students.
Charlie Moe is a South High School (SHS) graduate who visited SHS for the PPD festivities and enjoyed his interaction with well-versed student leaders.
“My company hires for the right attitude and we train skills. I saw a lot of opportunity here today. As we went from class to class I saw engaged students and technology utilized in exciting ways.” – Charlie Moe, After Market Manager, Kern Machinery
Following school site visits and events, 400 people came together for a luncheon at the DoubleTree Hotel. The theme for this year’s event was “Prepared to Succeed.”
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a moving speech by Tina Cox, an Early Childhood instructor at the Regional Occupational Center (ROC) who spoke on the power of working together for optimal student success. She introduced her former student Ann Margarett Bacorra, a 2016 Stockdale High School graduate, who won a gold medal as a National Champion at the Skills USA National Leadership Conference last June.
Ann Bacorro delivered her winning speech, focusing on the work ethic of her grandparents’ generation, with today’s technology and information age.
Ann earned six college units in Child Development while attending ROC and is now enrolled at California State University, Bakersfield studying to become a teacher.
“Our Principal Partners’ Day program explored our comprehensive Career Technical Education opportunities, our valued community partnerships, and their importance to our students as we move together into the future.” - Dr. Bryon Schaefer, KHSD Superintendent
The 2016 Principal Partners’ Day concluded with the presentation of the KHSD’s Jim Burke “Light and Liberty” Award for service to Kern County education. This year’s recipient is Dr. Kim Flachmann.
“Dr. Flachmann began her teaching career in 1972. Her desire to teach students how to access the power of writing and thus improve their quality of life has been the driving force behind her 44 years of service at California State University, Bakersfield. This recipient is someone Jim Burke would be proud to support.”
- Dr. Bryon Schaefer, KHSD Superintendent
During her career, Dr. Flachmann taught over 5,000 students, won 15 teaching awards, developed a Composition Program serving over 30,000 students, trained hundreds of English teachers, worked on grants totaling over $4 million, wrote eight books, published 23 articles, and has given over 130 presentations while collaborating with the broad Kern County educational community.
Previous Jim Burke “Light and Liberty” Award winners include The Jockey Club (2015), retired educator Jim Wooster (2014), Dr. William Baker (2013), businessman Steve Anderson (2012), Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall (2011), businessman Ben Stinson (2010), The Harry and Ethel West Foundation (2009), businessman Carl Leech (2007), Dr. Carlos Alvarez (2006), Shannon Smith (Grove), then owner of Continental Labor Resources (2005), businessman Rolly Rhodes (2004), and businessman Dave Spalinger (2003). The District did not host a Principal Partners’ Day in 2008 due to budget constraints.
Principal Partners’ Day was held this year on Thursday, October 13, 2016 and co-hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the KHSD, and the KHSD Educational Foundation.