WHITTIER – Whittier Union High School District is gearing up for the 2024-25 school year with new leadership changes, recently announcing the hiring of two new principals for Whittier High School and California High School.

The new administrators, who were appointed during a Board meeting on June 11, are Shana Jones, California High School principal, and Andres Favela, Whittier High School principal.

Jones has served as Cal High’s assistant principal of curriculum and instruction for the last two years, after six years as assistant principal of guidance and counseling. Prior to that role, Jones spent a decade as a biology teacher at La Serna High School, where she was recognized as the Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher of the Year in 2011 and La Serna Teacher of the Year in 2016.

A Whittier native, Jones has earned praise for her strong work ethic and clear vision centered on building relationships. In 2021, Jones helped to organize Cal Cares, an outreach program focused on social-emotional health designed to show love and stay connected with Cal High students struggling during pandemic-era school closures, providing students with care packages and a message from Cal High counselors. Jones replaces Bill Schloss, who is transitioning to a new principal position at Cupertino High School.

Favela brings nearly 25 years of experience as a teacher and administrator, including the last six years as principal of James A. Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. Favela also served as the top administrator for San Antonio and Ford Boulevard elementary schools.

Favela’s colleagues describe him as a true “culture changer” who embraces all groups, builds effective community relationships, and has a visionary mindset. Favela’s relationship-driven leadership style puts students first and his commitment to innovation is geared toward helping the Whittier High community to build upon its legacy of excellence.

Favela replaces former Whittier High principal Tim Liggett, who was recently named Whittier Union’s Director of Assessment and Accountability.

“We are excited to welcome such dynamic and forward-looking leadership members to our Whittier Union family,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “We hold high expectations for our administrators and are confident these outstanding educators will continue our tradition of doing Whatever It Takes to bring equity in education for our students.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

WUHSD_ADMIN1: Shana Jones, California High School’s new principal, was appointed during a Board meeting on June 11.

WUHSD_ADMIN2: Whittier High School’s new principal, Andres Favela, was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees during a meeting on June 11.