SBCSS News and Press Releases

New County Schools' Dedication Ceremony In Montclair On Sept. 29

2008-09-22

MONTCLAIR - With nearly two decades of service as a San Bernardino County Board of Education member and 50 years in public education, David Stine will be honored with the dedication of the David Stine Chaffey West County Community Day School on Sept. 29.

The school, which is located at 5033 Holt Blvd., is named for Stine, who has served as a teacher, principal, administrator and board member. The community day school is the seventh permanent school facility to be built by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. County Schools provides direct education programs for alternative education, special education and state preschool students.

David Stine Chaffey West County Community Day School provides educational services to approximately 90 alternative education students in junior and senior high.

"Dr. Stine has dedicated half a century to public education in San Bernardino County," County Superintendent Gary Thomas. "During his five terms of service on the County Board of Education, he has been committed to doing what's best for all students. We are proud to name this new school in his honor."

Stine said his name as part of the school is a humbling experience.

"I am very honored and proud to be included with the naming of this school," he said. "The community day schools offer a positive opportunity for at-risk students, and this new site gives our students a place they can feel is all their own."

David Stine Chaffey West County Community Day School was built at a cost of $9.5 million and sits on a 5-acre site. The site, which opened on Aug. 28, has just over 20,000 square feet of classroom space.

"This is a beautiful facility that really fits the needs of our students," said Judi Benjamin, principal of the site.

It also provides flexibility for growth. The school plans on adding an art history class, as well as a building skills class that will provide training in trades such as tiling, plumbing, framing and dry-walling. There also are outdoor athletic facilities that the students are enjoying, Benjamin said.

Stine was first elected to the County Board of Education in 1989. He started his educational career as a teacher in Twentynine Palms in 1958. He's been a high school principal at Twentynine Palms, La Mirada, Mt. Carmel and Chaffey. He's also been a college professor, department chair and educational program manager at California State University, San Bernardino, and Chapman University for the past 20 years.

He received his bachelor's degree from San Diego State College in 1958. He received his master's from Cal State L.A. in 1964 and his doctorate from Northern Arizona University in 1980.