WHITTIER – Whittier Union High School District is starting off the new year with a reorganized Board of Trustees, including Trustee Gary Mendez filling his new role as President and Trustee Josefina E. Canchola stepping into the role of Vice President, as the Board members collectively continue to pursue their mission “To Achieve and Maintain Excellence.”

The Board held its annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 12 during a regular Board meeting in front of District administrators, staff and community members.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve my community as Whittier Union High School District’s Board President and lead the Board as we continue to make decisions that will benefit all Whittier Union students and families for generations to come,” President Gary Mendez said. “It is a privilege to take on this leadership position after outgoing President Jaime López’s outstanding direction this last year.”

The Board also selected Trustee Irma Rodríguez Moisa to serve the Board as Clerk. Outgoing Board president Jaime López and Dr. Russell Castañeda Calleros close out the Board, serving the community as members.

Under their new roles, members will continue to ensure that all Whittier Union High School District students have access to the opportunities and resources that they need to succeed.

For the 2023-24 school year, the Board’s goals include boosting student wellness and inclusion. To help meet these goals, the Board approved an Alcohol and Other Drugs policy that highlights the District’s creation of intervention programs to promote safe and healthy environments that are free of substance-abuse.

The Board also approved a Land Use Acknowledgement policy to recognize and honor native peoples who once stewarded the land that is now known as WUHSD campuses.

“I am excited to head into the second half of the 2023-24 school year alongside the leaders on our Board of Trustees,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “It is a privilege to work together with a Board that truly does Whatever It Takes to support Whittier Union students and their successes.”

PHOTO CAPTION

WUHSD_BOARD1: (From left to right) Trustees Dr. Russell Castañeda Calleros and Jaime López, Board President Gary Mendez, Clerk Irma Rodríguez Moisa and Vice President Josefina E. Canchola.