SWSD October Board Meeting Recap
South Whittier School District held its monthly board meeting on Tuesday, October 20, at the District office. The Board and attendees heard three presentations: A Loma Vista School Presentation, a District Academic Update & CA Dashboard, and a facilities presentation.
PRESENTATION: School Presentation - Loma Vista
Loma Vista Elementary School is celebrating meaningful progress in student achievement, attendance, and schoolwide recognition. During the October 20, 2026, Board of Education presentation, Principal Kristine Carreon highlighted several accomplishments, including three Silver and three Gold PBIS awards, the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School Award, and recognition as one of America’s Healthiest Schools for 2026.
The school has also demonstrated significant growth in academic performance. From 2021–2022 to 2025–2026, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards increased from 26.84% to 48.48% in English language arts and from 17.95% to 38.89% in mathematics. Attendance has improved as well, with average daily attendance rising from 93.95% in 2022–2023 to 95.66% in 2025–2026. Chronic absenteeism has declined from 27% in 2022 to 7.5% in 2025, reflecting continued efforts to help students attend school consistently.
Looking ahead, Loma Vista is focused on building on this progress and closing achievement gaps. California School Dashboard results identify English language arts and mathematics as areas for continued improvement, while English learners and students with individualized education programs (IEPs) need additional academic support. To address these needs, the school will strengthen classroom instruction, expand targeted small-group learning, provide specialized professional development for teachers, and improve collaboration between general education and special education staff. English learner support will also emphasize reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Through these efforts, Loma Vista remains committed to building on its successes, strengthening student outcomes, and ensuring every Lobo has the support and opportunities needed to thrive.
PRESENTATION: Academic Update & CA Dashboard
South Whittier School District is making meaningful progress in student achievement, with recent California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results and California School Dashboard data showing continued improvement across core academic subjects. During the October 20, 2026, Board of Education meeting, Dr. Reanna Mendoza, Director Assessment, Accountability and Parent Engagement, highlighted positive academic trends, improved English language proficiency, and targeted efforts to support student success.
English language arts and mathematics continue to show encouraging growth. Over the past four years, the district improved its Distance From Standard by 17.7 points in English language arts and 24.6 points in mathematics. In 2026, English language arts proficiency increased by 4.23 percentage points, with 38.74% of students meeting or exceeding grade-level standards. Mathematics proficiency also increased by 1.65 percentage points, while the percentage of students in the lowest performance level declined in both subjects. In mathematics, 11.04% of students demonstrated advanced proficiency, representing 149 students.
The district also celebrated progress in science and multilingual education. Eighth-grade science proficiency increased by 6.86 percentage points, and overall science proficiency rose by 3.32 percentage points. English learner outcomes showed encouraging gains, with 51.7% of students making annual progress toward English language proficiency. Additionally, 55.34% of English learners scored at the expanding or well-developed levels on the Summative ELPAC assessment. Loma Vista Elementary and Graves Middle School earned the highest, blue status on the English Learner Progress Indicator, with gains of 17.8 and 8.3 percentage points, respectively.
While these results demonstrate positive momentum, the district continues to prioritize closing achievement gaps, particularly for long-term English learners and students with disabilities. Recent data show a need for additional support in mathematics for both groups. To address these challenges, the district is strengthening literacy instruction, expanding targeted English language development training, implementing common mathematics assessments, and increasing collaboration among teachers and school leaders. Weekly data discussions, instructional coaching, professional development, and specialized support are helping staff identify student needs and adjust instruction accordingly.
Through ongoing assessment, targeted interventions, and a commitment to continuous improvement, South Whittier School District is building on its academic gains while working to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
PRESENTATION: Facilities, Maintenance and Operations Update
During the October 20, 2026, Board of Education meeting, district leaders shared updates on districtwide maintenance improvements and the implementation of the Measure K bond program, which will address critical facility needs and support long-term infrastructure improvements.
Recent maintenance efforts have included comprehensive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) servicing and repairs, system replacements, irrigation and plumbing repairs, drain clearing, and outdoor surface improvements. Playground rubber matting and concrete repairs are also helping maintain safer, more functional spaces for students.
Through Measure K, the district is establishing a coordinated approach to addressing high-priority facility projects. Key initiatives include improving traffic flow and safety at McKibben Elementary School’s parking lot, repairing the elevator at Graves Middle School, upgrading fire alarm systems and other life-safety features, addressing roofing needs, and improving playground surfaces. The district is also exploring portable classroom projects at three school sites to help address facility needs.
A bond program management team has been selected to help guide project planning, design, scheduling, and implementation. Preliminary timelines include the Graves Middle School elevator project from July 2026 through July 2027, roofing improvements from October 2026 through August 2027, and the McKibben Elementary School parking lot project through April 2028. Fire alarm upgrades are expected to be completed in phases, with a preliminary timeline extending through July 2029. These schedules remain subject to funding, required approvals, and Board direction.
Moving forward, the district will continue prioritizing student and staff safety, protecting existing facilities, and addressing critical maintenance needs while advancing Measure K projects responsibly. Regular updates, including a planned presentation to the Board in January 2027, will help keep the community informed as projects progress.
The next scheduled board meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.