WHITTIER – The Whittier Union Board of Trustees will begin its process to fill the vacancy in Trustee Area 5 when it conducts interviews of seven eligible Whittier residents who seek a provisional appointment to the Board during a special Board of Trustees meeting to be held at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17 in the Whittier Union Board room.

Community members are welcome to attend the open session in-person or via webinar to view the process and to participate in public comment prior to the interviews. Webinar information will be available next week on the District’s website.

“The Board of Trustees is excited that the residents of Area 5 have responded to the vacancy with enthusiasm and spirit. The Board looks forward to interviewing the candidates and appointing a community member who is passionate about education, is ready to serve its constituents, and who will uphold the District’s mission ‘To Achieve and Maintain Excellence.’” Board President Irma Rodríguez Moisa said. “The Board does not take this responsibility lightly. Making a provisional appointment is one of the most important decisions a Board of Trustees can make for the community.”

The meeting will begin with the assembled candidates drawing lots for their interview order. Rodríguez Moisa will open the meeting to the public, explain the provisional appointment process, then ask for community comments and input. The interviews will commence immediately following the public comment period.

Once the interviews are completed, the Board will deliberate in open session and select the Area 5 Trustee the same day. Once selected, the appointee will take the Oath of Office at the Tuesday, Feb. 10 Board meeting, then serve out the remainder of the Trustee Area 5 term, which runs until November 2026.

The Trustee Area 5 candidates are (in alphabetical order by last name):

  • Thomas R. Baird, Whittier
  • Emily S. Guerrero, Whittier
  • Desiree G. Quintero, Whittier
  • Christine Rosales, Whittier
  • Josefina M. Tafoya, Whittier
  • Armando Urteaga, Whittier
  • Laurie M. Watkins, Whittier

Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo has been in communication with the candidates ahead of the special Board meeting to familiarize applicants with Whittier Union and address any of their questions.