Board members highlight spring barbecue and Blanton campus effort to engage alternative‑education families

Board members and staff reported on a spring barbecue and family event at the Blanton campus aimed at alternative‑education and court school students and families. Trustees who attended said the event helped students who were initially apprehensive relax after board members and staff ate, played games and interacted with families.

KCSOS staff described the event as a bridge‑building exercise intended to reward students, connect families with staff and community partners (including Bakersfield Police Department and the central kitchen team), and reinforce outreach that began with a Thanksgiving event. Staff said the event revealed what worked and what to improve for future gatherings and that production teams will create a video for potential presentations at the CSBA conference.

Trustees described the event as a model to strengthen connections between students, families, probation, teachers and board members. Several trustees thanked staff for organizing the event and encouraged board members to attend future gatherings, including the alternative‑education graduation at Valley Oaks on May 31.