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South Whittier Elementary School District

Success for Every Student

Board of Trustees

South Whittier School District Board of Trustees

Our school board is dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can achieve academic excellence and personal growth in a safe and supportive setting.

As elected representatives of our community, we are committed to making informed decisions that shape the future of our schools. Our responsibilities include:

  • Policy Development: Crafting and implementing policies that promote high educational standards and equity.
  • Budget Oversight: Ensuring that financial resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to support student learning and well-being.
  • Superintendent Supervision: Collaborating with and providing oversight for the Superintendent to ensure the district's strategic goals are met.
  • Curriculum and Instruction: Evaluating and approving curricula that meet the diverse needs of our students and prepare them for future success.
  • Facilities Management: Overseeing the maintenance and improvement of school facilities to provide a safe and conducive learning environment.
  • Community Engagement: Encouraging active participation from parents, students, teachers, and community members to foster a collaborative educational community.

Our mission is to support every student in reaching their full potential by prioritizing safety, equity, and excellence in all our decisions. We invite you to explore our initiatives, participate in our meetings, and join us in our dedication to student success and safety.

South Whittier School District is governed by the five-member elected Board of Trustees. Board members represent the community by Trustee Area, and are elected to 4-year terms. The Board oversees the administration and schools, and enacts policies and procedures to ensure the smooth and safe operation of schools. The South Whittier Board of Trustees and administration, in concert with teachers and the community, have devised strategic plans to guide decision-making and resource allocation. Each year, the Board focuses on strengthening classroom instruction and providing a strong, standards-based curriculum. The Board meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. unless otherwise posted. Board Meetings are held at the South Whittier School District Office - Board Room. Meetings are open to the public.

For more information, call Kurby Flores, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education at (562) 944-6231, Ext. 2012

 

Meet the Board Members

A smiling woman with short blonde hair poses for a portrait.

Jan Baird, President

Term: 12/2024 - 12/2028

Trustee Area: 4

A man with a beard and a shaved head poses for a portrait.

Francisco Santana, Vice President

Term:12/2022 - 12/2026

Trustee Area: 1

A woman with dark hair and red lipstick smiles at the camera.

Dr. Natalia Barajas, Clerk

Term: 12/2022 - 12/2026

Trustee Area: 2

Portrait of an older man with gray hair, wearing a suit and tie.

Elias Alvarado

Term: 12/2024 - 12/2028

Trustee Area: 3

A woman with a warm smile poses for a portrait against a blue backdrop.

Sylvia V. Macias

 

Term: 12/2022 - 12/2026

Trustee Area: 5

Noah Thompson

Noah Thompson

Zone 6

Participate

All are welcome to attend school board meetings either virtually or in person.

In Person: Meetings are held at South Whittier School District at 11200 Telechron Ave., Whittier, CA 90605 in the Board Room. 

Join Virtually: All regular board meetings are broadcast online via Google Meet. Visit our website for the direct link to the meeting. 

Meeting Schedule

  • January 21, 2025
  • February 18, 2025 
  • March 4, 2025 * (Board meeting scheduled on the 1st Tuesday of the month to meet fiscal year requirements)
  • April 15, 2025
  • May 20, 2025
  • June 17, 2025 * (Board meeting scheduled to conduct District business / Public Hearing for LCAP / Budget)
  • June 24, 2025 * (Second Board meeting in June scheduled for Approval / Adoption of LCAP / Budget)
  • July 29, 2025 * (Board meeting scheduled on the last Tuesday of the month due to 4/10 schedules)
  • August 19, 2025
  • September 9, 2025 * (Board meeting scheduled on the 2nd Tuesday of the month to meet fiscal year requirements)
  • October 21, 2025
  • November 18, 2025 * (Board meeting scheduled on the 2nd Tuesday of the month due to Thanksgiving week)
  • December 9, 2025 * (Board meeting scheduled on 2nd Tuesday of the month due to meet fiscal year requirements)

Above & Beyond Recognition

Recognition:  Do you know of an SWSD employee who has gone Above & Beyond to support or help you or someone you know? Nominate them for the Above & Beyond Award! Recipients of the award will be recognized at the upcoming Board Meeting.

Nominate someone for this recognition: To nominate someone for this recognition, fill out the Google Form below and share how they go above and beyond their duties.

You will be asked to include the following information:

    • Nominee's Name
    • Nominee's School Site
    • Nominee's Position
    • Why you are nominating them, please make sure to include specific details as to how they go Above & Beyond their job description
    • Your name

Upcoming Nomination Deadlines:

July 29, 2025 Board Meeting

DEADLINE: Friday, July 18, 2025

Nominate Here