New welding and building trades courses begin at Bakersfield, former athletic director returns from 2023 retirement

Chris Bales, left, is Bakersfield R-IV School District’s new advanced welding and building trades teacher.  “He graduated from Bakersfield, is a parent, former board member and has coached many community league teams,” said Bakersfield Superintendent Dr. Amy Padgett.  “We are so excited to begin this program.  Bakersfield is known for it’s hard working community and this program is a perfect fit to equip students with skills to be successful right out of high school or fully prepared to further their vocational training.” Doug Lansdown, right, returned from his 2023 retirement to serve as the school’s athletic director, girls’ basketball coach and PE teacher.