Whittier Union State of the District Shines Spotlight on Curriculum, Academic Successes

Whittier Union High School District welcomed the communities of Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk, La Mirada, and Downey to its second annual State of the District address, held at Pioneer High School on Oct. 7, highlighting the District’s many academic achievements and award-winning curriculum.

More than 200 community members, elected officials, students, families, and staff attended the event, which included a catered dinner and a live performance by Santa Fe High School’s Mariachi Los Dorados, under the leadership of choir director David Kwon.

The event was sponsored by Los Angeles County District 4 Supervisor Janice Hahn and Credit Union of Southern California. Attendees included Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco, Kyle Miller from Senator Bob Archulelat’s Office, Ivan Solis from Hahn’s office, Whittier Mayor James Becerra, La Mirada Councilmember Michelle Velasquez Bean, and Downey Councilmember Mario Trujillo. Representatives from local chambers of commerce and school board members and administrators from partner school districts and colleges were also in attendance.

“To everyone in attendance today, it is incredible to work with you and see you as our partners,” Board President Irma Rodríguez Moisa said during the event. “Let’s continue to work together as we move forward over the next few years. We will continue to strengthen our collaborative work with our partners to ensure our resources are used wisely, with every dollar focused on supporting our students. We don’t do this work alone. The real heroes are our Whittier Union teachers and staff. Thank you for everything you do to support our students and schools.”

To kick off the program, Pioneer High School choir students performed the national anthem under the direction of choir director Christine Jerome. Whittier Union also welcomed back two esteemed graduates to speak at the State of the District: La Serna High Class of 2023 graduate Andy Castaneda, who is now a successful Whittier-based realtor, and Pioneer High Class of 2024 graduate and UCLA sophomore Isabel Gonzalez, who is studying political science and public affairs.

“When I was in high school, I was always asked ‘what do you want to be when you grow up,’ and although simple in nature, my answer to that question wasn’t so simple,” Gonzalez said. “At Pioneer, I was fortunate to be involved in a number of clubs and programs that all helped me determine my path and lead me to where I am today.”

Among the topics highlighted during the State of the District were Whittier Union’s record graduation rates, career technical education (CTE) pathways, facilities projects, and the new District guidelines regarding artificial intelligence (AI).

Whittier Union graduation rates have soared in recent years, rising from just below 92% in 2019 to a District record of 94.7% in 2026, well above the state average of 87.5%. A-G completion rates, which determine if a student is eligible to attend a UC or Cal State university, are also at a District record high of 66.6%, nearly 10 percentage points above the state average.

Whittier Union students’ statewide test scores in English, math, and science have also risen, with the District ranking in the top 20% of school districts throughout California and in the top 5% of school districts with more than a thousand students, 50%+ Hispanic/Latino students, and 50%+ low-income students. Of 160 California school districts with similar sizes and demographics, Whittier Union ranks third in math, fifth in science, and seventh in English.

Whittier Union facilities projects and improvements continue to move ahead, with new athletic fields, marquees, roofing, and exterior painting completed in the last year, as well as projects designed to boost energy efficiency and lower the District’s carbon footprint. Construction on the District’s crown jewel – the Performing Arts Center – continues to move forward.

Addressing the topic of AI, the District debuted a new set of AI guiding principles for students to follow before the 2026-27 school year. Expanding on the principles during the State of the District, Whittier Union looks to guide its students to AI mastery by adhering to the four D’s of AI fluency: delegation, description, discernment, and diligence.

“Whittier Union is blessed to serve a community that is highly invested in the future of its students,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “We share the same goals as our community: to do Whatever It Takes to prepare students to be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, to help them find their passion, and to give them every tool and resource they need to fulfill their dreams. Thank you to everyone who helped make for a successful State of the District event.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS 

WUHSD_SOD1: Santa Fe High School’s Mariachi Los Dorados performs during the opening of Whittier Union’s second annual State of the District event on Oct. 7.

WUHSD_SOD2: Whittier Union’s Board of Trustees celebrates the success of the State of the District event on Oct. 7. From left are Board Clerk Jaime López, Trustee Dr. Russell Castañeda Calleros, Board President Irma Rodríguez Moisa, Board Vice President Josefina E. Canchola, and Trustee Armando Urteaga.

WUHSD_SOD3: Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo celebrates Whittier Union’s State of the District event on Oct. 7 with student representatives from Whittier High School.