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Board Trustee - Trustee Area 5

Born and raised in the great city of San Francisco, California, Mr. Williams  is a father of two boys. He spent 21 years in the United States Army and retired in 2004. He moved to Barstow in 2009 for a job at Fort Irwin. Since living in Barstow, he has always worked with the children of the community, striving to give them a better life.

He is the past president and current board member of Barstow Kiwanis Crossroads and the current Lieutenant Governor Elect of District 36 of Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha (California, Nevada, Hawaii). He serves as the Vice President of the Board at Desert Sanctuary/Haley House, the domestic violence shelter in Barstow. 

Additionally, he sits on the board of the Barstow Community Coalition and is the Executive Director of the Barstow Youth Sports Coalition, whose motto is "No child should be denied playing a sport because of the social economics of the family." He runs the Barstow Youth Boxing Program, where he sponsors 15 kids every two months. He continually seeks out opportunities for the youth in this community by being an EXP Industry Coach.

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Board President - Trustee Area 4

Aaron Heldreth grew up the son of a Barstow Unified School District Employee. He is a United States Navy Veteran and was enlisted as an Underwater Construction Diver. He is a University of La Verne graduate, the husband of a Barstow Unified School District teacher, a father of two girls, and a former San Bernardino County Deputy Sheriff.

Swimming competitively for less than one year, 10-year-old Heldreth qualified for the Junior Olympics. After losing his leg and still continuing active duty service, he won two gold medals in swimming for team Navy at the Wounded Warrior games.

Mr. Heldreth is actively involved in his daughter's school, the local 4H chapter, and his church. He coaches soccer for a local youth league and enjoys visiting with US Veterans living at the Veterans Home here in Barstow.

As an Underwater Construction Diver in the United States Navy, Heldreth hosted several field trips for local schools. The students were most excited about trying on the Mark 5 helmet, seeing the dive chamber, push-up challenges with service members, and hearing all of the shark stories! Mr. Heldreth really enjoyed sharing his passion for diving and military service with students. 

These days, Mr. Heldreth's passion these days is ensuring his daughter's education and the education of the students of Barstow and preparing them for the real world by giving them the best opportunities available.

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Board of Trustees Clerk - Trustee Area 3

Mr. Yslas, a native of Barstow, began his career with the Barstow Unified School District (BUSD) in 1995 as a custodian at Barstow High School. In 2014, he advanced to the role of lead custodian at the same school.

After dedicating 26 years of service to BUSD, Mr. Yslas retired in 2021. However, he continued his commitment to the district as a classified substitute and has since taken on the role of BUSD Board Trustee. Additionally, Mr. Yslas has played a vital part in the success of BUSD through his contributions as an athletic coach.

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Board of Trustees Vice President - Area 2

An experienced member of the Board of Trustees, Ray is serving his third term.  An accomplished educator, Ray has a Masters Degree from The University of Southern California, and is a proud graduate of Barstow High Class of 1963. 

Ray served at Barstow College for over 30 years as both an Instructor and Administrator.  He shares a heartfelt commitment to students and to the development of their full potential in an environment of opportunity, fairness, and diversity. 

Ray is a proud U.S. Veteran. He and his wife Linda have strong ties to the Barstow community.

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Board Trustee - Trustee Area 1

Elizabeth Carmen Givens was born and raised in South Los Angeles, an area deeply impacted by crime and violence. After losing both of her parents in her early twenties, Elizabeth found herself homeless with two young children. Despite the many challenges she faced—including teen motherhood, gang and domestic violence, and generational poverty—she worked tirelessly to overcome these barriers and build a stable life.

In 2015, Elizabeth relocated to Barstow, where she served as an executive assistant and campus monitor for the Barstow Unified School District (BUSD). In 2017, she founded Growing Outreach Growing Opportunities (G.O.G.O.), a nonprofit organization committed to ending generational poverty and homelessness. In 2022, G.O.G.O. secured its tax-exempt status. The organization provides housing, case management, outreach, life skills, and job readiness support across Barstow and Los Angeles County.

Elizabeth is a certified Community Health Worker and is currently pursuing certification as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor. Her work is rooted in public health, harm reduction, and community empowerment.

Elizabeth is a proud mother of four. Two of her children are graduates of Barstow High School (Classes of 2019 and 2023), and her younger two are currently enrolled in BUSD, attending junior high and elementary school.

A passionate community advocate, Elizabeth serves on multiple boards and committees, including the San Bernardino County Democratic Central Committee, San Bernardino County Office of Homelessness Desert Region Steering Committee, Barstow NAACP, Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce – Barstow Chapter, High Desert Black Worker Center, and The United States Veteran Support Group.

Through her lived experience and unwavering commitment to a brighter future, Elizabeth continues to be a powerful advocate and role model for individuals and families overcoming adversity.

• Click here to contact Elizabeth Givens