WHITTIER – The Whittier Union High School District is inviting the public to provide input on the district formation process as it transitions from at-large elections to by-trustee area elections.

Beginning in November 2020, residents will vote for a single Board of Trustees candidate residing in their newly drawn trustee area, usually one-fifth of the entire district.

During two public hearings in October, community members provided input on district formation criteria. The feedback was used by demographers to draw three possible trustee area maps.

The draft maps are on display at the five comprehensive high schools, District office and at www.elections.wuhsd.org. They will be officially unveiled during a public hearing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13.

“We are committed to ensuring that this process is transparent, inclusive and prioritizes the values and voices of our school community,” Superintendent Martin Plourde said. “Public participation is critical to making this process a success.”

The District will host two rounds of community open houses, during which attendees may provide structured input on the maps and corresponding election plans. The meetings will take place as follows:

Round 1:
Monday, Nov. 26, 6-8 p.m.
Whittier High School, 12417 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Santa Fe High School, 10400 Orr & Day Road, Santa Fe Springs

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 4-6 p.m.
La Serna High School, 15301 Youngwood Drive, Whittier

Round 2:
Thursday, Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m.
Pioneer High School, 10800 Benavon St., Whittier

Saturday, Dec. 15, 9-11 a.m.
Wallen L. Andrews School, 1010 S. Caraway Drive, Whittier

Tuesday, Dec. 18, 4-6 p.m.
California High School, 9800 S. Mills Ave., Whittier

Residents may also make an appointment to meet with the demographer and ask questions about the draft maps, as well as provide input on possible modifications. Each meeting will be approximately 45 minutes and take place at the District office from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16 and noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Revised maps and any additional maps generated from the sessions will be presented during the regular board meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11. The board anticipates narrowing the number of maps for review during its meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 15, 2019.

Once the public has provided input, the Board of Trustees expects to select a final trustee map during a public hearing at 7 p.m. Feb. 12, 2019. The approved map would be presented to the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization, likely on the following day.

The District will provide childcare and Spanish translation services for the open houses. Requests for additional language services must be submitted 72 hours in advance.

To set up demographer appointments or request language assistance or child care, call (562) 698-8121, ext. 1000.

For more information on the district formation process and to provide input on draft maps, visit www.elections.wuhsd.org.