The Big Bend Education Corporation (BBEC) was formed to raise money to build a high school  for students from the Terlingua and San Vicente school districts. A three-member board was formed, fund raising activities were held, donation and grant money was collected, and the high school was built. Other projects were completed including the school/community library. More recently a multi-purpose track and sports area has been started. There is also an account - the Joee May Barnes Scholarship fund - which awards scholarships to some graduating seniors each year.

The board has traditionally included two members from Terlingua and one from the park. Offices are President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer. These duties often rotate among the members. Right now the vice-president position is vacant, and the secretary-treasurer position will soon be vacant.

The immediate challenge for the BBEC is to straighten things out with the state and regain its legal status, which has been suspended because some necessary paperwork was not filed when due.

Anyone interested in filling one of these board positions is invited to contact either of the current board members: Claudia Arnberger (477-1108; claudia_arnberger@nps.gov) or Ginny Carrico (371-2882). You don't have to have kids, have kids in school, or anything like that - just an interest in the community, a concern for the welfare of both schools, and a willingness to contribute your time and energy. There will also be a meeting this Saturday, February 21, at 10 am at the high school for those who are interested or would like to know more.