BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 Foundation President, Bernard Vigallon, retired after 44 years in Education. Thirty-four years of that time was spent in Chico Unified School District where he was a Counselor, Assistant Principal and Principal (BJHS), Principal (Fairview) and the Director of Alternative Education. As Director of Alt Ed, he was responsible for the daily operation of Fair View High School, AFC, CAL, Oakdale and the District's GED Program. Both of his daughters graduated from BJHS. Stacey is a Wildlife Biologist and currently completing her Ph D. and Amy  is a Fire Fighter/Fire Medic.

Mike Christensen is a CSU, Long Beach graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. He taught at Bidwell and Pleasant Valley from 1977 through 2012 and was recognized as a "Distinguished Secondary Teacher of the Year" (2009) by the Chico Public Education Hall of Fame. Mike and his wife, Susan, are both retired and enjoy jogging, biking and hiking in Bidwell Park. He also enjoys golfing, fishing and hunting. 

 Martha Newton has been a Targeted Case Manager for 18 years, 12 of which she worked at Bidwell Junior High School. She assists students and their families in finding community resources that may be available to them. She also interprets and advocates for parents. Until her retirement in 2020, Martha  worked directly with teachers submitting grant requests for Board consideration. She also was on the frontline in getting food and fuel cards to the Bidwell families affected by the Camp Fire in 2018. Martha remains a valued Board member and has helped train Monica Murguia in her former position. 

John Watson taught at Bidwell for 31 years  and was half of the Schulz and Watson teaching team. He is a Stanford graduate and received his Wings in 1961 when he was in the U.S. Navy. John also worked for many years at Aero Union as an Airtanker Captain, fighting fires across the U.S. He and his son, Fritz, have built their own airplane and a 1932 Ford Roadster. Although John is retired, he still loves to hear from his former students.

 A 1975 graduate of Bidwell Junior High School, Mary Cath has been involved with the Board since 2005. She is a graphic designer/typesetter and lends her talent to the Board preparing newsletters, brochures and the website. Mary Cath has two daughters, enjoys arts and crafts and is an avid rock hound.