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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. has demonstrated his steadfast commitment to the well-being of students by presenting a generous $2.6 million check to the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD).
This funding will facilitate the creation of a student wellness center at Indian Springs High School and enhance the sports field lighting at Paakuma’s K-8 School.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. for his unwavering commitment to our students,” SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano said. “This generous contribution will significantly enhance our capacity to provide comprehensive wellness services. This wellness center and the enhancement of this field will provide invaluable resources, ensuring that our students have access to the support they need to shine academically and personally.”
Supervisor Baca’s contribution underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being in public schools. The wellness center at ISHS will serve as a dedicated space for students to access resources, support services and guidance related to their emotional and mental health.
“Investing in the well-being of our youth is an investment in the future of our community,” Supervisor Baca said. “We are proud to support SBCUSD in their efforts to provide resources for our student’s mental health and wellness. This initiative marks a partnership between the county and district to establish a wellness center at a school site in our region. The wellness center at Indian Springs High and the added lighting at Paakuma K-8 School will play an important role in creating a nurturing environment for our students, setting a precedent for similar collaborations in the future.”
The sports field at Paakuma K-8 School, which serves as a joint-use facility, will offer enhanced recreational opportunities for both students and the Rosena Ranch community.
The check presentation ceremony took place at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting at the Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room, bringing together community leaders, school officials and partners to celebrate this collaborative effort in prioritizing the mental health of San Bernardino’s youth.
The district is grateful to Supervisor Baca for his continued advocacy and dedication to the well-being of SBCUSD’s 46,000 students, especially because providing social-emotional learning supports is as important as delivering quality academic instruction, Arellano said.
