WEST COVINA, CA – Superintendent Charles “Chuck” Hinman, who has guided West Covina Unified School District through a pandemic, the related shift to distance learning, a school realignment, and a massive facilities improvement effort, announced he will retire effective July 31, 2021.

Dr. Hinman, who began his tenure with WCUSD in 2015, thanked teachers and staff for their “talents and dedication,” creating success in classrooms across the District.

“I am also grateful for the support of our community in my role as superintendent, especially during this time of COVID,” Hinman said in a letter to staff and community. “While these challenges have been extremely difficult for all of us, it is through these shared experiences that I will always have a deep connection with you, knowing we got through this together. In my time at WCUSD, I am most proud of our academic programs and Measure ES Bond that has allowed WCUSD to become a destination district.”

Hinman’s retirement punctuates a 32-year career in public education wherein he spent time in the classroom, on the field as a coach, as a principal and as a District administrator, culminating with his role as superintendent at WCUSD.

“The last six years have been a period of change for the West Covina Unified School District, and Dr. Hinman has been absolutely critical in charting a path and guiding us through that change,” said Eileen Miranda Jimenez, President of the WCUSD Board of Education. “From forging ahead with our facilities improvements, supporting our academic shifts to support more rigor and a college-going culture, and helping our families and teachers navigate the incredible COVID-19 efforts, we are very appreciative of the leadership and guidance Dr. Hinman provided during his tenure with our District.”

The Board of Education is expected to meet in the next several weeks to determine next steps, including defining the search process and appointing an interim superintendent.