As construction progresses at one of Fontana Unified School District’s (FUSD) newest, state-of-the-art campuses, District leaders have unveiled the official name and academic vision for Oak Grove Preparatory Academy, a seventh- to 12th-grade school designed to blend career-connected learning, academic advancement opportunities, and student-centered support. Formerly known as the Secondary Academy, Oak Grove Prep reflects the District’s continued focus on serving a growing North Fontana community by expanding opportunities for students to explore careers and expand their academic and social foundations. The school, opening fall 2026, will begin enrolling students from grades six to nine, adding on an additional grade level each academic year.
The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Whittier resident Armando Urteaga to serve as Trustee for Area 5 following a Special Board Meeting on Jan. 17. Urteaga will serve the remainder of the term through November 2026. The appointment followed interviews with six candidates conducted during the special meeting. After interviews and deliberation in open session, the Board selected Urteaga based on his extensive experience in public education and long-standing service to local school communities. Urteaga has been a resident of the Whittier area for 25 years and is a longtime public education leader with more than 30 years of experience serving students and families. He holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from California State University, Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in educational management and school administration from the University of La Verne.
Six community colleges from across the country will help demonstrate the impact of Caring Campus through a quantitative study examining student outcomes and their relationship to a culture of care. Funded by the Lumina Foundation, the study will explore how Caring Campus contributes to student retention, persistence, completion, and overall success. Lawson State Community College in Alabama, Patrick & Henry Community College in Virginia, Oakton College in Illinois, Hartnell College in California, and Temple College and Ranger College in Texas will each participate in the grant-funded study. Together, these colleges will help build a clearer, data-informed understanding of how intentionally fostering connection and belonging influences student outcomes.
As La Serna High senior Brooke Chancellor enters her final semester of school, she is looking forward to joining her Lancer classmates for the upcoming whirlwind of graduation events celebrating the Class of 2026. Just two years ago, the odds of Chancellor participating in a commencement ceremony at La Serna seemed out of reach.
