Jolene (Koch) Francis - Class of 1978

Born and raised in Chico, Jolene (Koch) Francis graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 1978. Soon after graduation, Jolene began what was to be a successful career in the financial services industry for over 28 years. With her help, Golden Valley Bank was organized, approved and began operation in 2006. She was also instrumental in creating the Golden Valley Bank Community Foundation, a charitable giving organization whose mission includes providing financial literacy programs to the local high schools. In January 2009, Jolene took the helm of the Chico Chamber of Commerce as President and CEO while remaining active on a number of local, charitable boards. Son Casey Dietle is 26 and a firefighter with Cal Fire. Twin daughters Kristen and Lauren are 18, both alumni of PV High School and currently freshman at Chico State.

FAQs

Are Foundation Board of Director meetings open to the public?

Yes! We meet the thirdTuesday of every month in Golden Valley Bank’s conference room at 190 Cohasset Road, Suite 170, Chico. Meetings are from 5-6:30pm. Any change to the meeting time will be listed on our website. Visitors are always welcome.

How does the Foundation allocate funds?

The Foundation allocates funds according to the wishes of the donors. For instance, you may designate a specific program or activity with your donation, or you may make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one or teacher. Both General Funds and Honor/Memory funds ultimately go toward grant opportunities for teachers to develop enrichment programs and provide additional instructional materials. These are projects that benefit all the students and truly develop the environment for a positive high school experience.

Who benefits from PVHS Foundation Funding?

Students! Grants provided by the Foundation enhance the growth and development of all of our students. These classroom-based grants are provided to teachers for educational activities that directly engage students both inside and outside the classroom setting. Your donation provides money for such things as field trips, classroom materials, sports equipment and site improvements. All of these add to each students learning environment and experience.

What is the relationship between the PVHS Foundation and Pleasant Valley High School/Chico Unified School District?

The Foundation is a separately incorporated, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors comprised of alumni, parents, former PV staff, a current Assistant Principal, and community leaders. The Assistant Principal is a non-voting ex officio member of the Board. They serve as an important link to staff and student leadership and keep the Foundation accountable to serving priority needs of the school. The Foundation works with Chico Unified School District as a partner in pursuing the shared mission of equity and excellence at Pleasant Valley High School.

Who administers the Foundation?

The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of alumni, parents, former PVHS staff, a current vice-principal, and community members. The Board of Directors seeks funds and sets policy according to its bylaws.

The PVHS Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. It raises funds and allocates resources to Pleasant Valley staff and students, enriching programs both academic or vocational and extracurricular.

Why are donations needed?

In general, California schools need more resources. The limit on property taxes enacted by Proposition 13 in 1978 severely decreased overall school funding. When we account for cost of living, California ranks 45th* in per-pupil funding. In order to continue to provide a well-rounded educational environment at Pleasant Valley High School, additional sources of funding to support student enrichment programs, extra-curricular activities as well as capital equipment and improvements must be raised privately through donations.