WHITTIER – The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees decided during its Jan. 11 board meeting to begin gathering written and oral comments from District stakeholders as they prepare to select the District’s next superintendent.

As part of the process, the school community and public are invited to submit written input through an online survey available through Friday, Jan. 28. The survey will also be posted on Whittier Union’s website.

Additionally, the District will host a Community Input Session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25, to hear directly from stakeholders regarding the selection of the next superintendent. The input session will take place in-person at the United Sierra Education Center gymnasium, located at 9401 S. Painter Ave.

“It is extremely important for our Board of Trustees to hear from our community throughout this process,” Board President Russell Castañeda-Calleros said. “The thoughts and priorities of our constituents will provide valuable insight as the Board undertakes the momentous task of selecting the next leader of our schools.”

The plan for selecting a new superintendent follows the retirement announcement of Superintendent Martin J. Plourde, effective June 30, 2022. Plourde, who has served as Superintendent since 2016, has overseen a host of successful initiatives, building upon the core values embraced by the District to achieve and maintain excellence in providing a comprehensive education and establishing a culture of success and academic achievement for all students.

The purpose of the online survey and community input session is to ensure that the next superintendent for the Whittier Union High School District possesses the professional and personal qualities, skills and abilities that are most important to and valued by local community, parents, staff and students.

The Board anticipates the process will lay the foundation for them to take action on selecting the new superintendent during its regular Board meeting on Feb. 22.