This was demonstrated this Winter quarter, when three storms socked Southern California. Our students had to grapple with mudslides, flooded roads, blocked freeways and closed mountain passes. Still, students arrived at class, and those that didn't took the steps necessary to get the information they missed.

It's that persistence that makes our students successful.

For example, meet Richard Carr. He's an assistant superintendent for Central School District who aspires one day to be a school superintendent.

Carr earned a bachelor's and master's degree at UC Riverside. He earned his doctorate at Loma Linda University. While going to school, Carr worked in the field of education, serving as teacher, middle school principal and director of human resources for the school district.

"When I assumed the position of director of Human Resources and I became chief negotiator for the district, I thought I needed more," Carr said.

So Carr returned to UCR Extension and signed up for the Chief Business Officials certificate program.

"My ultimate goal is to be a superintendent," Carr said.

The CBO Certificate Program at UCR Extension is a relatively new program that trains those interested in the fiscal aspects of education. Currently, about 50 students enroll annually at Extension to earn this certificate.

"The students come from all walks of life," said Sue Teele, Extension's director of Education. "Some are teachers. Some come from business."

When students complete the CBO certificate program, they are prepared to manage the fiscal matters of a school district. But managing money matters for public schools entails more than the ability to balance a budget.

School district CBOs must know how to operate school cafeterias and understand the federal and state laws that demand school menus provide adequately nutritious meals. They must understand school attendance requirements and information and technology systems in and out of the classrooms. They must know the science of managing human resources, the nature of collective bargaining and the successful administration of contracts.

Ultimately, participants in the program at UCR Extension work 60 hours in a school business division where they demonstrate their competence to become effective school business officials.

Upon successful completion of the CBO Certificate Program, students are sufficiently prepared to successfully earn certification from the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO).

"We're the only program in the state to be completely in alignment with their requirements," Teele said. "They don't have to take one more class for dual certification."

Carr earned his CBO certificate and now teaches for us in that program. Carr teaches the classes "Human Resources Management for the Chief Business Official" and "Collective Bargaining and Contract Administration in Public Education."

"Dr. Carr is really helpful to us," Teele said. "He was a great student and the students think he is a great teacher. He's very dedicated."

Richard Carr is a fine example of combining college degrees with the career-oriented, practice-based instruction at Extension. We're delighted Carr is taking the knowledge he acquired here and sharing it in the communities where he works and lives. We know someday he will achieve his dream to be a school superintendent.

To find out more about the Chief Business Officials Program, click here. And remember, persistence pays off.