Peter Fischetti, who is in his fourth decade of writing about Corona as a reporter and columnist wrote a headline piece in the Local section today about the Corona-Norco Unified School District for the Press-Enterprise. The CNUSD, over taking San Bernardino City Unified School District, with 53,665, now has more students than any Inland Empire district. Those of you that have read the book, “From One Room…” the 125+ year history of education in Corona-Norco-Eastvale, know that since the opening of the first school house in Corona on the corner of 8th & Howard in 1887, having enough space for students has been a challenge. That is just the first problem, and then you need more of everything, supplies, educators, administrators, support staff, transportation, etc. Looking around the country you can find many examples of communities that have been overwhelmed with the challenge of growth. The general quality of education often diminishes with students being denied the essentials the need in life. How has it worked out for those served by the CNUSD? After all, 53,665 students is double the population of Corona when I graduated from CHS in 1972. The Corona-Norco Unified School District is ranked among the best in the United States. This is not based on an analysis from some provincial group of community boosters, but from sources such as the renowned Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. The CNUSD receiving recognition and prize money from this Foundation has become a regular occurrence. This is no accident and it is not because the CNUSD has just been lucky. The seeds for the current success can be traced back to Dr. John Stallings who ran the then Corona Unified School District from 1963 to 1969. (Norco was added to the name in the summer of 1970). The innovations and policies that Dr. Stallings espoused went far to upgrade the experience that Corona, Norco and the few kids in Eastvale had in school. Each seceding Superintendent has added their touches, which has resulted in our current outstanding District. Comparing past and present circumstances, I often marvel at the increased burdens those involved with the CNUSD have today. Back to 1972, my last year as a student, the combined population of the region now served by the District was about 40,000 citizens and there were 5 members of School Board. Today there are about 250,000 citizens and there are still 5 members of the School Board. I have known many members of the CNUSD School Board and they have overwhelmingly been a group of outstanding men and women that have had the calling to serve. The tradition continues today. So often, we forget those at the helm except to criticize and demean. I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of those that are running the CNUSD to success and renown. I am well acquainted with four of our current Board members and consider them friends. They are Bill Newberry, Cathy Sciortino, Mary Helen Ybarra and John Zickefoose. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to spend time with Dr. Jose Lalas, but certainly have observed and respect him very much. I cannot say I always agree with this group, but I know they are acting upon their own convictions and belief as to what is best for the students of the CNUSD. Each of them devote so much of their personal time and talents on our behalf that we are all indebted to them for their dedication and good works. It is strange to realize that the number one employer, at least in Corona, is the CNUSD. That means that our Superintendent, Dr. Michael Lin, joins the list in the annals of Corona history with citrus ranchers and industrialists. Dr. Lin is an exemplary leader in the best traditions of educators. He is a person I have come to appreciate and admire. The administrators and staff that Dr.Lin has assembled maintain the example he has established. My parents rightfully trusted that my sisters and I were receiving a proper education in our District, as I did when my own children were in school here. Those that have students attending one of the 48 schools in the CNUSD today can be confident they are providing their children with an opportunity to be part of the best education systems in the United States. Look at the situation in other districts and know that the quality found in the CNUSD took more than luck to achieve. Peter Fischetiis Press-Enterprise column: beta.pe/articles/district-758401-school-students.html
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 05:00:44 +0000
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