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Welcome William Avila! BUSD's New Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services
Prior to arriving in Bellflower USD, Dr. William Avila served as Director of Student Services in the Baldwin Park Unified School District. He brings a variety of experiences in the areas of instruction, Special Education, alternative programs, mental health and Student Services which provide him a broad perspective to support the Educational Services Division. Prior to becoming a director, Dr. Avila served in several roles including Special Education Instructional Aide, teacher, program specialist, high school assistant principal, and principal. Dr. Avila has an Associate of Arts from Mount San Antonio College, a Bachelor of Science from California State University, Fullerton, two Masters of Art in Special Education and Education Leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University, and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. His research analyzed the preparation, recruitment, and retention of 21st century school principals in California. Dr. Avila believes in working as a team to establish systems across the District to ensure optimal learning environments for students and staff. He is a proponent of collaborative cultures and he fosters strong partnerships with stakeholders Dr. Avila is deeply committed to his work and the community he serves. He is grateful to be on this journey with his wife, Jamie, and two children, Matthew and Marissa.
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Welcome Tasneem Muhammad! Stephen Foster Elementary's New Principal
Ms. Muhammad is an enthusiastic educator and school leader who has been dedicated and devoted to the education profession for 15 years. She began her career as a middle school math & science teacher at ICEF Public Schools in 2007. She later became a founding teacher at Green Dot public schools where she served in the capacity of math teacher, department chair, instructional leadership team member and admin designee for 4 years. Ms. Muhammad was hired by Environmental Charter Schools in the summer of 2015 to serve as Assistant Principal. After serving as Assistant Principal for 3 years, Ms. Muhammad was offered the role of Elementary School Principal at Center For Advanced Learning in 2018 where she served for the last 4 years. Ms. Muhammad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University of Dominguez Hills and a Master of Education degree from National University. Ms. Muhammad is going into her 8th year as a school administrator and continues to be a passionate educator that strongly believes in doing what is best for kids. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, watching movies, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and spending time with her son and family. Ms. Muhammad is looking forward to serving the Stephen Foster Elementary school community.
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Welcome Jennifer Chatmon! Craig Williams Elementary's New Principal
Dr. Jennifer Chatmon is an experienced school leader with a demonstrated history working in both primary and secondary educational settings. She is skilled in cultivating engaging school cultures, data-driven instructional support and building consensus through professional development focused on fostering diverse, equitable, student-centered spaces. Dr. Chatmon’s journey in educational service began as a substitute teacher in Newark, New Jersey, some 22 years ago, while completing her bachelor’s degree at New York University. But, education has long been a chosen path in her family, and she represents the third generation of educators, which formally began with members who taught in the segregated schools of Birmingham, Alabama. While at Rutgers University, Dr. Chatmon earned both her Masters in Educational Supervision and Doctorate degree, with a focus on the Sociology of Education. Outside of the school house, Dr. Chatmon is a single mother, registered yoga teacher, podcast host, songwriter, vocalist, author, and more on any given day. She is excited about joining the Bellflower USD family and is looking forward to working collaboratively with the Craig Williams community.
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Somerset High School - Model Continuation High School
Congratulations to Somerset High School for earning Model Continuation High School. Somerset also earned CCEA Plus Exemplary Program for their Associated Student Body and their CTE/SkillsUSA Program. Somerset's secretary, Stephanie Gaude was selected as CCEA Classified Employee of the Year!
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2022 California Pivotal Practice Awards
At the May Regular Board Meeting, three elementary schools were recognized for earning the 2022 California Pivotal Practice Award. The California Pivotal Practice Award Program was designed in partnership with our education associates to celebrate districts and schools that have completed an online application highlighting an innovative practice that was implemented during the 2020-21 school year, when California required schools to offer distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Albert Baxter's pivotal practice was in the area of Positive Behavior Supports and Intervention and school connectedness. Esther Lindstrom's pivotal practice was in the use of digital communication to engage parents and community. Ernie Pyle's pivotal practice was in the distribution and use of technology.
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2022-2023 Classified Employee of the Year
Bellflower Unified is excited to announce that Terry Scofield has been selected as the Classified Employee of the Year for the 2022-2023 year. Terry has worked in BUSD for 37 years. She has worked at a variety of school sites and is currently the secretary at Lindstrom Elementary. Terry attended BUSD schools, her children and now her grandchildren have been part of BUSD! Terry is always happy to help out her fellow staff members and parents. She can also be seen at school events and supporting Mayfair soccer. We are thankful for all she has done in her 37 years to build futures for our students!
