WHITTIER – Whittier Union High School District Board Member Gary Mendez will step down from the Board of Trustees effective Tuesday, Dec. 9, following Board action taken in closed session on Nov. 18. After closed session, the Board reported out that it approved a settlement agreement with Mendez, in which he submitted his resignation. Mendez will offer his final remarks at the start of the Dec. 9 Board meeting.

The settlement concludes discussions regarding the incompatibility of offices held by Mendez, who served simultaneously on the WUHSD Board of Trustees, representing Area 5, and the Central Basin Municipal Water District. The matter followed a quo warranto opinion granted by the California Attorney General.

The Board will review and discuss next steps during the regular meeting on Dec. 9.

During his tenure on the Whittier Union Board of Trustees, Mendez played a key role in advancing impactful, student-centered policy initiatives, including the District’s first Land Acknowledgement statement and the revised Alcohol, Marijuana, and Other Drugs policy that took a more therapeutic approach to supporting students with drug and alcohol dependency. He also recommended and supported the Board’s efforts to update its Board Bylaws and policies, a process that is currently underway.

“Trustee Mendez has brought unique insight and life experience to our Board. His assistance with developing the District’s Land Acknowledgement and updating the Alcohol and Other Drugs policies has made an impact on our schools,” Board President Dr. Russell Castañeda Calleros said. “Our Board appreciates his three years of service to the students and constituents of Area 5.”

The District’s Land Acknowledgement policy recognizes and honors the rich history, culture, and continued presence of Native American communities, including the Gabrieliño/Tongva peoples and the villages of Chokiishgna (Santa Fe Springs), Sehat (Los Nietos/Whittier), and Sejatngna (Whittier–San Gabriel River Area). The policy also established a Native American advisory committee to provide direction and cultural expertise.

At Mendez’s urging, the District also strengthened its Alcohol, Marijuana and Other Drugs policy to further promote safe, healthy school environments. The revised policy emphasizes early intervention, restorative practices, and coordination with community-based services — prioritizing the academic, physical, and emotional well-being of students while maintaining appropriate enforcement protocols.

“We thank Trustee Mendez for his service to the Whittier Union community,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “As we move forward, the Board will carefully consider the options in filling the Trustee Area 5 seat, and anticipate further discussion at the December Board meeting.”

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WUHSD_TRUSTEE1: Whittier Union High School District Board Member Gary Mendez will step down from his position on the Board of Trustees effective Tuesday, Dec. 9.