South Whittier Board of Education Appoints Greg Gero as Superintendent
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTH WHITTIER SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: KURBY FLORES
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE SUPERINTENDENT
(562) 944-6231 EXT. 2012 | KFLORES@SWHITTIER.NET
June 17, 2026
South Whittier Board of Education Appoints Greg Gero as Superintendent
SOUTH WHITTIER, Calif. – The South Whittier Elementary School District Board of Education voted 5-0 on June 16 to approve an employment agreement with Greg Gero, Ph.D., to serve as superintendent effective July 1, succeeding Dr. Gary Gonzales upon his retirement after nine years of service to the district.
The appointment concludes a superintendent search process that engaged students, staff, families, and community members through surveys, focus groups, and interviews conducted in English and Spanish. Community input helped shape a leadership profile that guided the Board's recruitment and selection process.
"Throughout the search process, we heard a consistent desire for a leader who values relationships, communicates openly, understands teaching and learning, and maintains a strong presence in our schools and community," said Board President Natalia Barajas, DPT. "Dr. Gero's experience, leadership record, and commitment to student success made him a strong match for the qualities our community identified as most important in its next superintendent."
Dr. Gero brings more than 30 years of experience in public education as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. He currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services in Monrovia Unified School District, where he oversees financial strategy, operational systems, and long-range planning in support of approximately 5,000 students.
Previously, he served as executive director of educational services, director of elementary educational services, and principal in Monrovia Unified School District and East Whittier City School District.
A bilingual educational leader fluent in Spanish, Dr. Gero helped lead a districtwide mathematics initiative in Monrovia Unified that resulted in an 8% increase overall and a 12% increase at the elementary level in the number of students meeting or exceeding standards. He also expanded dual language immersion programs into a recognized TK-12 pathway, strengthened intervention systems for students, and helped reduce district budget deficits by more than 50% while serving as assistant superintendent of business services.
"I am honored by the Board's confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve the South Whittier community," Dr. Gero said. "Throughout my career, I have believed that student success begins with strong relationships, high expectations, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside students, employees, families, and community partners to build on the district's strengths and support success for every student," he concluded.
Gero earned a doctorate in education from Claremont Graduate University, a master's degree in educational administration from National University, and a bachelor's degree in political science from Claremont McKenna College. He also holds a California Administrative Services Credential and is a Certified Chief Business Official through the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO).
The Board of Education also recognized Dr. Gary Gonzales for his nine years of service as superintendent. Since assuming the role in 2017, Gonzales has worked with students, employees, families, and community partners to advance the district's mission of providing success for every student. His retirement will take effect June 30, 2026.
Additional information regarding opportunities for the community to meet Dr. Gero and learn more about his transition into the superintendent role will be shared in the coming weeks.
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