Wave Staff Report
WHITTIER — The Whittier Union High School District school board unanimously appointed Whittier resident Armando Urteaga to serve as trustee for Area 5 following a special board meeting on Jan. 17.
Urteaga will serve the remainder of the term vacated by board member Gary Mendez in December. The term runs through November.
Urteaga’s appointment followed interviews with six candidates conducted during the special meeting. After interviews and deliberation in open session, the board selected Urteaga based on his experience in public education and long-standing service to local school communities.
Urteaga has been a resident of the Whittier area for 25 years and is a longtime public education leader with more than 30 years of experience serving students and families. He holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Cal State Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in educational management and school administration from the University of La Verne.
His professional career spans roles as a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, and school principal at both the middle and high school levels. He currently serves as the executive director of human resources for Rialto Unified School District.
“I am honored to be appointed to the Whittier Union Board of Education,” Urteaga said. “My professional career as a teacher and school administrator reflect my strong and ongoing commitment to public education. I prioritize community engagement, responsible governance and advocacy for all students, and I look forward to supporting the district through thoughtful decision-making, active listening, collaboration with our union organizations and district leaders and policies that meet the needs of our diverse student population.”
In addition to his professional experience in education, Urteaga has served on the East Whittier City School District Board of Education for the past 20 years. During his tenure, he has contributed to districtwide policy development and supported initiatives focused on inclusive learning environments and high academic standards for all students.
Urteaga also served on the Whittier Union High School District Bond Oversight Committee and was a member of the CIF State Appeals Committee, among other professional and civic roles.
Urteaga will be sworn in and take the oath of office at the Feb. 10 board meeting.
“The board was committed to an open and transparent selection process that reflected the importance of this decision for Trustee Area 5 and for our district as a whole,” school Board President Irma Rodríguez Moisa said. “We are grateful to all of the candidates who stepped forward and shared their time, experience and commitment to public education with us.
“Their interest speaks to the strong sense of community support for our schools. We look forward to welcoming Armando Urteaga to the board as we continue advancing district priorities and working together to uphold our mission, ‘To Achieve and Maintain Excellence.’”
Mendez resigned in December as part of a settlement with the district after his school board colleagues challenged his ability to serve on the board while also holding an elected position on the Central Basin Municipal Water District.
The state attorney general ruled that the two elected positions were incompatible under state law.
