WHITTIER – La Serna High School Assistant Principal Griselda Castro – an educator in the Whittier Union High School District for the past 25 years – has been appointed to serve as the Lancer campus’ newest principal.

Castro, a National Board Certified teacher, will replace longtime La Serna Principal Ann Fitzgerald, who will begin her new role as assistant superintendent of personnel services July 1.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to serve the La Serna community, staff and students in a new role,” Castro said. “I have dedicated my entire teaching career to educating students in our Whittier Union schools and collaborating with a talented team of teachers, staff and administrators to elevate student achievement. La Serna High School is a very special place and I am excited to continue on this journey.”

Castro began her career in 1995 at Santa Fe High School, where she taught social studies and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID).

She has held various leadership roles throughout her career, including social science department chair, curriculum coordinator, AVID coordinator and District new teacher adviser. She also served as an AVID senior program specialist for the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

From 2009 to 2019, Castro served as an assistant principal in the curriculum and guidance offices, developing instructional programs, guiding educators as they navigate state assessments and standards, and coordinating student support and guidance services. Castro transferred to La Serna High in 2019, where she continues to oversee curriculum and instruction. Her two oldest children graduated from Santa Fe High School.

“Griselda has proven herself to be a compassionate educator, exemplary leader and critical member of the Whittier Union family,” Superintendent Martin Plourde said. “We are thrilled to name Griselda as La Serna’s new principal and are confident that she – alongside the school’s outstanding administrators, teachers, staff and students – will help La Serna continue to reach new levels of success.”

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052020_WUHSD_CASTRO: Whittier Union has appointed Griselda Castro – an educator in the Whittier Union High School District for the past 25 years –to serve as the Lancer campus’ newest principal.