CORE Butte Charter School -

James Bishop

Software Developer

Parent Member Candidate (Incumbent)

I am currently serving my second term on the board as a community member. However, my daughter will be joining CORE in the fall so I am running for a parent position. Our family has a long history with CORE. Six of our children attended with three graduates and I even took a year away from my software development career to teach at CORE out of enthusiasm for what they were doing. We were always avid homeschoolers but also have many connections to public, charter and private schools. I have degrees in Mathematics (BS) and Computer Science (MA) and teaching credentials in Math, Physics and Chemistry. Last year I volunteered at CORE, tutoring and helping with classes. Prior to joining the board, I researched topics of concern to help families navigate issues and spoke at a dozen school board meetings with the goal of dramatically improving communication between parents and their representatives. In recent years I have come to see CORE as vital to the Chico community in providing unique educational opportunities, but also in broader and more fundamental ways, having to do with mental health, stability and social cohesion. I will continue to look for ways to support CORE and foster the sort of dialog that will allow us to navigate challenges together in the family spirit that makes CORE such a wonderful place.

Kathy Dahlgren

Education Director

Community Member Candidate

With 25 years of experience in education, I bring a deep understanding of school leadership, curriculum development, and student success. As the former Principal/Superintendent of Nord Country School, I successfully led a charter school, growing enrollment, expanding programs, and ensuring compliance with charter regulations. I have a strong knowledge of charter schools, including their unique governance structures, funding models, and accountability measures. My expertise in finance, special education, school leadership, and community engagement equips me to support strategic decision making that benefits both students and educators. With my experience and passion for education I feel that I would be an excellent candidate for this position.

Marcos Gonzalez

Operational Business Consultant

Parent Member Candidate

As an adult with a traumatic childhood experience and a parent with two teenagers of my own, I know that my purpose in life is to raise the next generation of world changers. I have a military background and upper level management experience and a couple of degrees that allow me to use my experience and education to influence and encourage young people to reach their fullest potential; to become the change the world needs.

Kelly Holliday

Teacher

Parent Member Candidate (Incumbent)

My name is Kelly Holliday and I am a homeschooling parent of two daughters who are thriving at CORE Butte Charter School. I have been a homeschooling parent for the past 10 years, but I am a public-school teacher by trade. My interest in being on the CORE Butte Charter Board of Directors is motivated by my belief in our children’s education being successful when they are provided with opportunities that motivate them and allow them to thrive as the individual that they are. CORE Butte Charter offers the design of individualized education while creating an environment that motivates children to experience learning and I want to see that maintained within the families that attend CORE all the while continuing to reach families and students who will thrive within a personalized learning environment. How I can contribute to the Board of Directors comes from my experience in education, my past experience as a Board member and from my continued experience as a business owner. As a public-school teacher, I am experienced in the California Education Code and how to deliver the necessary building blocks to students in a format that they understand and enjoy. I served on the WASC accreditation committees for both PUSD and OUHSD, I've facilitated multiple student programs in Ecology and Environmental Stewardship, and I have worked in numerous neighboring counties assisting students of all economic and social backings gain the necessary skills to continue their education beyond the K-12 paradigm. As a previous Board member, I am versed on CORE's history and the educational and operational policies of the charter, and I value the charter’s vision that “every person has the ability to learn and succeed given the right tools and support”. Additionally, as a local business owner, I have a strong financial understanding of budgeting needs, necessary expenses, and the importance of fiscal solvency. However, in all reality - I am a mom who is passionate about education and seeing our children be the best version of themselves. I would love to serve on the Board of Directors and use my experience to further the success and growth of each student who attends CORE Butte Charter.

Heather Rogers

Education Coach and Trainer

Parent Member Candidate

Education is more than a profession for me - it is a lifelong calling. Over the years, my experience has spanned roles as a classroom teacher, school director, teacher trainer and college dean. These have equipped me with an understanding of what it takes to create a healthy and effective learning environment. I have felt called to serve locally where my family resides. My current work also allows me to serve globally where the world is desperate for quality teachers. For over twenty-five years I have had some incredible opportunities to foster educational excellence in both contexts.

If given the opportunity to serve on the Core Butte school board, I shall bring a wealth of experience in educational leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. I shall be committed to making informed decisions that advocate for both educators and families. I support our school's goals to provide innovative , inclusive, and effective learning environment that prepare students for the future. I hope to be able to serve our school in this capacity.

Theresa Schneider

Farm Operations Manager & Co-Owner

Parent Member Candidate (Incumbent)

As a multi-generation farmer, I understand firsthand the true meaning of hardship. The past few years have been particularly challenging, but they have also taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and perseverance. It’s through these tough times that I have learned the importance of pushing forward and staying focused on long-term goals, no matter the obstacles. Leadership, integrity, and grit have been essential in my journey, and these qualities continue to shape me as I navigate my role in both my family’s farming legacy and in the broader community. Being a woman in what is often considered a man’s world has only strengthened my resolve and commitment to succeed. I am proud to have served on the CORE Butte Board this past year, a role that has been both fulfilling and inspiring, especially with the exciting developments surrounding the Sports Complex. Seeing the vision come to life has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful to be part of a team working toward such meaningful progress for our community. As I continue to serve and contribute, I remain dedicated to the values that have always guided me: resilience, hard work, and the belief that together, we can overcome any challenge and achieve great things.