1. How is the distribution of funds to clubs/sports/the arts decided?  

There are several considerations that go into funding decisions such as the number of students involved, the equipment and/or resources needed, whether other funding resources such as fundraisers, PTO, grants, or other options are available.  Other variables such as tournament entry fees, green fees, travel expenses are also considered.  From our yearly allocation of funds, they are distributed about 50/50 between athletics and activities.  Our PTO has been incredibly generous over the years at providing funding for a variety of programs.

2. What did you get on the ACT?

A 24 – Back in my day there was no test prep and most students took it only once which was the case for me.  I had to take it the day after an away football game which I played in.  I can’t say that I was in the greatest state of mind when I took it.   I had a good work ethic, however, which helped me graduate from college Magna Cum Laude.

3. What’s the scariest thing that’s happened to you at school?

The incident that haunts me the most occurred in 1998 when several BVHS softball girls were injured and/or killed in a car accident on Metcalf.  I was asked to go to the accident scene to try and identify the girls involved.  That was a traumatic and horrifying experience for all involved.  We still give a scholarship at Class Day in honor of one of the girls who died (Jennifer DeFranco).

4. What was your childhood nickname and can I call you by it?

My friends called me “Bac.”  It’s probably best to leave that in the past. ☺

5. Any plans to improve the wifi for next school year?

We are working on it.  It needs to be improved so that it is accessible during Tiger PAWS.

6. What can I do to fix the wifi? (from C.J. Swimmer)

See previous response.

7. Who would you choose, Hillary or Donald?

Good question.  I’ve got a lot to learn about both of them before casting my vote.

8. What is your favorite part of being principal at BV?

I love working with our students and staff and seeing everyone’s hard work pay off with amazing accomplishments.  I enjoy watching our students grow, mature, and become caring adults who look and act beyond themselves. (Community Service, Relay for Life, Hoops for Hope, Toy Drive, Blood Drive, etc.)  There is long list of things that I appreciate about our students, staff, and school community.

9. Are you looking forward to Tiger PAWS?

Yes!!!  I think it has the potential to be a great thing for our students and staff.  There is responsibility that comes with it.  As long as everybody assumes those responsibilities, it could be a very influential addition to our school experience.

10. Why did you switch from teacher to principal?

I loved being a teacher and coach and hadn’t really planned on becoming an administrator as soon as I did.  I turned the opportunity down twice (to become an assistant principal) before accepting the position.  It just kept presenting itself, so I thought maybe somebody was trying to tell me something and I should listen.  After being at BVHS for 13 years as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal, I had a unique opportunity to go to Pleasant Ridge Middle School.  One of the hardest days of my life was walking out the door of BVHS for what I thought would be the last time.  I went to Pleasant Ridge and fell in love with the place and would probably still be there today if it hadn’t been for the opportunity to come back to BVHS.  I couldn’t say no to that.  Twenty-six years of my life have been at this school which is a bit hard to believe.

11. Favorite all-time BV memory?

There are so many, I am not sure that I could pick a favorite.  I have simply been blessed to be a part of an amazing school community and work at a job that I love.

12. Proudest moment as BV’s principal?

Same answer as above.  Many proud moments.  I have been very proud of our school community when they have reached out to assist others in a special or meaningful way.  Certainly, a touching moment for my family and me was the kindness and generosity of our school community during my son’s battle with cancer.

13. What are your thoughts on the alarmingly high death rate of bees?

That is probably not good because of the pollination cycle that bees are a part of in the plant life cycle.  Makes me wonder why.