Board of Supervisors Delivering Nearly 2,000 Laptops to Schools
Most of our children in San Bernardino County are taking part in distance learning, meaning they critically need access to a computer so they can fully participate in class sessions and assignments.
This has been challenging to some students with limited access to technology, or the computers they are using are outdated or shared with other members of their household.
The Board of Supervisors recognized this need and allocated $1.4 million of CARES Act funding to purchase nearly 2,000 laptops for students. The laptops are being delivered to the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools this week.
“While we would all rather have our children in school, right now our students need these computers for their remote learning,” said Curt Hagman, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “We think it is important that all students have the same opportunities to learn and we are excited that many more will now have access to the latest technology to help them through this pandemic.”
According to San Bernardino County Schools Superintendent Ted Alejandre, too many of the over 400,000 students in the County are struggling with connectivity or dysfunctional devices. These students either have to share their devices with others in the home, or they simply don’t have access to one that is capable of connecting to the internet for distance learning.
“We need to get laptops directly to our students because otherwise they simply can’t receive the lessons and direction from their teachers that they desperately need,” said Alejandre. “We are extremely grateful for the partnership with the Board of Supervisors.”
Districts that are receiving laptops were selected based on their response to a California Department of Education survey that gauged the need for student devices. The laptops are being delivered to the following school districts, ROP program and charter schools: Barstow Unified, Etiwanda, Chaffey Joint Union High, Helendale, Morongo, Mt. Baldy, Oro Grande, Trona Joint Unified, Upland, Victor Valley Union High, and Yucaipa Calimesa, Baldy View ROP, Academy of Academic Excellence in Apple Valley and Norton Science and Language Academy in San Bernardino.
Click here for a video segment on the laptop distribution.
County Registrar of Voters Offers Tips for Early Voters
Every vote counts! The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters is committed to protecting each registered voter’s right to cast a ballot safely and securely. For some voting in the 2020 Presidential General Election, this may be the first time you are casting a mail ballot.
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your ballot makes it to the finish line.
Submit your ballot on time. If returning it by mail, your ballot must be postmarked by November 3 in order to get counted. If you want to cast your completed mail ballot at a drop box, the Registrar of Voters office or another Early Vote Site, or a polling place, you must drop it off by 8 p.m. on November 3.
Check your records. Visit My Elections Gateway at www.SBCountyElections.com to check that your correct name and spelling is on record.
Make your mark. Double check you have filled in the ovals in every contest on the ballot that you wanted to vote. Then, seal, sign, and date the return envelope itself.
Choose your ink wisely. The ballot scanners do not read red ink – opt for blue or black.
No postage necessary. No need to worry about getting the right stamp for your ballot – each one will come with a prepaid postage envelope.
Check for damage. Make sure your ballot and its envelope is not torn and all of the writing is clear.
In fact, track your ballot! Enroll in “Where’s My Ballot” to receive email, text, or phone notifications about the status of your ballot. Go to WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.
If you have additional questions about mail ballot voting, please contact the Registrar of Voters at (909) 387-8300 or Communications@SBCountyElections.com. All of this and more can be found on the Registrar of Voters website.
 County Purchasing Department Continues to Get Recognition
It’s not a department that most people even think about it, but the County’s Purchasing Department plays a critical role securing the resources needed for many of the critical services our residents expect.
The Purchasing Department is responsible for ensuring that the County’s purchase of goods and services is at fair and reasonable prices, under contract terms which represent the best interest of county taxpayers. It is this department’s duty to conduct purchasing processes in an ethical manner that builds public confidence.
The National Procurement Institute has recognized San Bernardino County’s superb performance in this area by awarding the Purchasing Department the prestigious Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) for 2020. And what’s more, this is the 19th consecutive year the department has received this honor.
The AEP Award is earned by agencies that demonstrate a commitment to procurement excellence. The AEP program evaluates staff professional development, procurement ethics, continuous improvement, customer service and use of technology. This year’s award recognized the Purchasing Department’s commitment to customer service, partnership, innovation and professional standards, while upholding its legal requirements and fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of San Bernardino County.
“During the last fiscal year, our Purchasing Department processed more than $600 million worth of purchase orders touching every county department, and it currently is managing some 200 countywide contracts,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman said. “Winning this award year after year is a clear demonstration of how carefully and skillfully the county manages the public’s tax dollars.”
Just some of the supplies and services purchased through the department every year include medical supplies, fire and law enforcement equipment, road safety supplies, food, and office and technology equipment.
Every year, each of the department’s 26 employees engage in a rigorous professional development schedule that is designed to help improve the department’s efficiency and best practices.
 Deadline to Join the COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program Fast Approaching
Department demonstrating how it serves County residents year-after-year
There is still time to apply for assistance through the County’s successful COVID Compliant Business Partnership program, but not much! Applications have to be submitted before Oct. 31.
The more than 4,000 County businesses, nonprofit organizations, and schools operating on waivers that currently participating in the partnership have collectively received more than $10 million from the County to offset costs related to compliance with COVID-19-related public health protocols.
Applications are being accepted online at https://sbcovid19.com/now through Friday, October 30 or until funding is exhausted. All businesses that apply and are determined to be a COVID-Compliant Business Partner will be issued a “This Business Partner is COVID Compliant” window graphic to show customers and clients that they are doing their part.
Upcoming Webinars Address Disability Awareness, Managing in the New Workplace
San Bernardino County in conjunction with other partners both regionally and throughout the state are pleased to bring business owners and interested residents ongoing webinars on a variety of important topics. We aim to do everything we can to help businesses succeed during this difficult time.
Disability Awareness Training
The County Workforce Development Board has partnered with the Department of Rehabilitation to offer this session.
This training is designed for human resources staff, hiring managers and supervisors to successfully include persons with disabilities as an excellent labor resource. Training topics will include how to access employees with disabilities, the different types of disabilities, the best ways to interact with employees in the workplace, and a general overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Tuesday, October 20, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Register: https://dor-ca-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqdOGqqT8sEtxgf1_xC-fLBhmlAhNqddEQ
Managing the New Workplace: Mental Health, Self-Care and Well Being
The County Workforce Development Board is offering this session. The course will discuss how working from home can impact mental health, morale, and quality of work. The objectives of the course will focus on ways to care for your mental health and share tips on working from home productively, and stress free.
Thursday, October 22, 10 a.m. to noon
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/managing-the-new-workplace-mental-health-self-care-well-being-tickets-118084095709
Latest Stats
59,169 Confirmed Cases (up 0.4% from the previous day)
988 Deaths (up 0.2% from the previous day)
704,343 Tests (up 0.8% from the previous day)
For more statistics from the COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard, click the desktop or mobile tab on the County’s sbcovid19.com website.
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