INYO SCHOOLS GET SOME LOVEN

Published in the May 23, 2026 issue.

Last week, Inyo County Supervisor Trina Orrill hosted a bond workshop where a number of taxpayers vented about all the special assessments they’re paying.

A graphic presented at the meeting  showed that the current combined tax rate for debt in Inyo County stands at $163 per $100,000 in valuation. 

But now let’s present some good news for taxpayers.

Your investment in the local schools is paying dividends thanks to Inyo County Office of Education (ICOE) Director of Facilities Kristin Loven. 

I met Loven in her office to discuss the school improvements on Monday morning. It’s just a lonely little back office. And she has no assistant. She’s a one-person department overseeing a $60 million job. 

For background, Loven was born and raised in Bishop – she’s 5th generation.

Her grandfather was Dick Noles. 

Prior to taking this job, she spent 13 years at Caltrans, the last five as a Facilities Manager. 

The $60 million (which will be assessed over five years) at her disposal comes from passage of Measures R & S by Bishop School District taxpayers in November, 2024. 

Both measures passed with more than 60% of the vote. 

She is also overseeing the $7.5 million bond approved for the Owens Valley Unified School District.

The priorities, said Loven, are for roofs, HVAC, painting and floors. 

The HVAC units being replaced are 20-years old, a typical life span for these units. 

Six roofs are scheduled for replacement this summer, as well as a few playgrounds.  

Loven said the students are definitely taking notice. 

“There’s usually one of two comments,” she said with a smile. “Either ‘thank you’ or ‘finally!’” 

What’s been gratifying and unique about the process, according to Loven, has been the participation of local vendors “who are helping us save money where we can.” Never mind that using local vendors keeps money circulating within the community. 

At risk of offending whomever she forgot off the top of her head, she named, in no particular order: Eastern Sierra Plumbing; Dean’s Plumbing and Heating; Bishop Heating and Air; Danny’s Electric; Eldridge Electric; David Torres Excavation and Paving; Lopez Roofing; Rudolph Construction; Kolker Construction and Pagenkopp Construction.

“We’ve used just about everybody in town, and if I forgot your name, I apologize.” 

Loven encouraged local vendors to sign up on ICOE’s contracting list. 

Yes, she acknowledged, the roofing company doing the work this summer is from somewhere else, but two local outfits were invited to bid. 

The toughest part of Loven’s job is keeping track of the ever-moving parts. And doing so without a whole lot of support. 

Sheet: Does [Superintendent] Barry Simpson understand everything that’s going on?

Loven (laughs): Mostly. He’d for sure know if it wasn’t going on!”