BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 Matt Johnson, a 1975 graduate and former student-body President of Bidwell Junior High School joined the Foundation in 2019. Matt is President and C.O.O. of SPC Display Group based in Riverside, California. After 27 years in Southern California, Matt and wife, Cassie, returned to the Northstate in 2011. They have two daughters, Tara, and Kylie.

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.

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. 

Carol Watson is a California native and grew up in Alhambra. A former flight attendant, Bank of America employee and full-time Mom, Carol has been with the board since 2005. She and John Watson have been married since 1963 and have four children, all graduates of Bidwell and Pleasant Valley. They have six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

 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. 

 Shane was born and raised in Chico and is a 1986 graduate of Bidwell Junior High School. Shane lives in Chico with his wife, Paige, and they have two daughters, Taylor and Bailey. Taylor is currently an 8th grader at Bidwell, and Bailey is a proud Pioneer alumna, graduating in 2013. Shane enjoys sports
and hiking in upper park. 

Ramona Flynn is a graduate of Stanford University and has a Master's Degree in History. Ramona was President of the Foundation from 2018 through 2020 and also does work with Meals on Wheels, League of Women Voters and Friends of the Library. Ramona is one of the BJHS Foundation charter members, has two children and two grandchildren.

pic and bio coming soon!

pic and bio coming soon!

 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.