South Whittier School District held its monthly Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 16, at the District Office. During the meeting, trustees and attendees received presentations on the Measure QS and Measure K Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) Annual Report, the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Annual Update, and the proposed 2026–2027 budget.

 

During the meeting the Board and attendees also got to hear a few words from South Whittier School District’s new Superintendent, Dr. Gero. Dr. Gero shared his excitement of joining the SWSD community on July 1, 2026. Read more about Dr. Gero here.

 

PRESENTATION: Measure QS & K CBOC Annual Report

 

Edgardo Vaquerano, a member of the South Whittier School District Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC), presented an update on Measure QS and Measure K projects.

 

Mr. Vaquerano reported that Measure QS projects have been completed and that implementation of Measure K projects is now underway. Planned projects include roof repairs and replacements, as well as upgrades to HVAC systems. Measure K funding was made possible through Proposition 39, and all projects are voter-approved.

 

The CBOC holds public meetings throughout the year, providing community members with opportunities to learn about ongoing and upcoming projects, review funding reports, and ask questions. Mr. Vaquerano also shared that the committee recently underwent an independent audit and received an unmodified opinion, the highest level of assurance an auditor can provide.

 

PRESENTATION: Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and Annual Update

 

Dr. Rebecca Rodriguez, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, presented the District’s 2026–2027 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and annual update. The presentation provided an overview of the district’s planning process, stakeholder engagement efforts, and strategic priorities for the coming school year.

 

The report highlighted the collaborative development of the new three-year plan, which incorporated input from parents, students, staff, administrators, and community members. Updates to the District’s five LCAP goals reaffirmed South Whittier School District’s commitment to maintaining safe and inclusive learning environments, supporting continuous academic improvement, strengthening educator leadership, fostering family and community engagement, and providing comprehensive academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports for students.

 

Key highlights included increased investments in instructional support staff, health services, and summer programs, along with positive gains in parent engagement and communication. Survey results indicated that families feel increasingly informed and welcomed. Overall, the annual update reaffirmed the District’s commitment to providing the resources and opportunities necessary to help every student succeed.

 

PRESENTATION: 2026–2027 Proposed Budget

 

Joanne Chan, Associate Superintendent of Business Services, presented the proposed budget for the 2026–2027 school year. The presentation emphasized maintaining fiscal solvency while continuing to invest in programs and services that support student success.

 

Ms. Chan reviewed the factors that drive school funding, including student enrollment, average daily attendance (ADA), state funding, local property taxes, and federal revenue sources. The District projects funded ADA at 2,041 students and anticipates an annual enrollment decline of approximately two percent. Revenue assumptions also include annual cost-of-living adjustments to Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) funding and required contributions to routine maintenance accounts.

 

The proposed budget accounts for rising expenditures, including salary increases, employee benefits, and pension obligations through CalSTRS and CalPERS. District leaders emphasized that maintaining long-term fiscal health remains a priority as they continue to monitor state funding, enrollment trends, and operational costs.

 

Looking ahead, the District will continue to monitor the impact of the state budget, enrollment, and attendance while completing year-end financial closeout activities and preparing unaudited actuals for fiscal year 2025–26.

 

The South Whittier School District will hold it’s next board meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.