Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Borrego Springs Schools New Faces

 

Last updated 9/2/2016 at 4:28am

Ben Schmiedicke – Math and Science Teacher

Every school year sees new faces arriving at Borrego Springs schools. Worried faces and first day jitters are soon replaced by the excitement of the possibilities ahead.

They may have graduated a few years ago but the nerves and anticipation are just as real, but soon put aside by the warm Borrego welcome.

Courtney Barclay – New Chief Business Officer

Former CEO of several small companies, industries including staffing, executive recruitment, and building with an emphasis in public works. With her background in operations, management, accounting and finance, as well as construction, she is a great fit for the District. She is originally from Orange County, relocating to the desert in 2010. Her daughter, Delaney Barclay, proudly attends Borrego High School.

Mark Stevens - Superintendent

Public education has been a significant part of his life since before he can remember. Mr. Stevens' mother was a third grade teacher for thirty years and he spent his youth grading papers and rearranging bulletin boards. His father was an elementary school principal who certainly had enough practice with discipline, having four incorrigible boys. This background set the stage for Mr. Stevens' life in education and the path that brought him to be the Superintendent here in Borrego Springs.

Mr. Stevens' passion for learning and his formal education in business, led to several diverse positions in school districts. A great opportunity opened up to him. BSUSD was in financial hardship and he was hired to fill in some of the missing pieces. Under the amazing leadership of Martha Deichler, the district soon recovered and was on its way to greater and greater success. During this time, Mr. Stevens was given opportunities to expand into all areas of the district, including positions not usual to a business manager; like being the soccer coach.

The last four years culminated in the highlight of his career; being named Superintendent. Mr. Stevens is honored and humbled by this responsibility and look forward to the opportunity to serve the students and community of Borrego Springs. He believes strongly in the potential of our students and in our wonderful staff. Together we will be able to accomplish great things.

Ben Schmiedicke – Math and Science Teacher

Teaching both math and science for the 2016-2017 school year. Mr. Schmiedicke just recently graduated from CSU Northridge, and is excited to start his work as a teacher. He loves working with the sciences, and look forward to working with the students of Borrego Springs for this coming school year!

Tim White – Math and Football Coach (No Picture)

Proud graduate of SDSU, GO AZTECS! Mr. White have been teaching high school math in San Diego County for the past sixteen years. He has coached Football for twenty-five years in high school, college and in the "pros". Mr. White have also coached almost every sport offered at the high school level.

He is going in to his tenth year as an athletic Director and his third year as the CIFSDS Southern Conference President. Mr. White has a passion for teaching and coaching our youth life lessons through math and the game of sports.

He is married to my beautiful wife, Carmen. Mr. White has two awesome sons, incoming freshmen Ty and fifth grader and soon to be Ram, Brody.

GO RAMS!!!

Karie Strate - Middle and High School Special Education Teacher

Mrs. Strate is pleased to announce that she have been hired as the newest middle and high school special education teacher for BSUSD. She have been teaching for seventeen years in various special education settings, most recently in Colorado.

Mrs. Strate have wanted to return to Borrego for some time (with her two daughters), as her mother, Pam Parker, still resides here. Mrs. Strate was raised in Borrego and graduated from Borrego Springs High School. Her family has always appreciated the immense amount of support and opportunity that is available through the BSUSD schools and the community. Mrs. Strate is looking forward to her girls sharing in those same experiences. She is so excited to have the opportunity to educate and serve the students of Borrego Springs.