WHITTIER – The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees voted to move forward with a provisional appointment to fill the upcoming Trustee Area 5 vacancy after Board Member Gary Mendez submitted his resignation, effective Dec. 9, as part of an approved settlement.

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

Mendez’ resignation triggers a 60-day period within which the Board must decide between a special election or a provisional appointment to fill the vacancy.

Considering the potential cost of a special election, estimated up to $1.12 million, and the importance of maintaining representation for the Area 5 community, the Board voted to move forward with a provisional appointment.

“Whittier Union is committed to ensuring that the residents of Trustee Area 5 remain fully represented during this transition,” Board President Irma Rodríguez Moisa said. “As we move forward with the provisional appointment process, we will do so with openness, careful consideration, and a strong focus on upholding the District’s mission, ‘To Achieve and Maintain Excellence.’”

This provisional appointment process will be comprehensive and involve the advertisement of the position, applicant screening, interviews, public deliberations, and the approval of the selected candidate. The provisional selection will be announced immediately following the Board’s appointment.

The provisional trustee will assume their duties following Board action at a special meeting, tentatively planned for the end of January, and will serve the remainder of the term through November 2026. However, in the event of a successful community petition, the provisional appointment may be subject to change.

Whittier Union will begin the advertising process for the provisional appointment immediately.

Applications will be available in the Superintendent’s Office beginning Monday, Dec. 15. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their applications to the Superintendent’s Office by Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

For questions or additional information, contact olga.sedillo@wuhsd.org or call (562) 698-8121 ext. 1000.