Board of Education

Role of the Board (Powers and Responsibilities)

The Governing Board is elected by the community to provide leadership and citizen oversight of the district’s schools. The Board shall work with the Superintendent to fulfill its major roles which include:

Establishing a vision for the district
Establishing and maintaining a basic organizational structure for the district, including employment of the Superintendent and adoption of policies, curriculum, the budget, and the collective bargaining agreement
Ensuring accountability to the local community, including personnel, programmatic and fiscal accountability and service as a judicial and appeals body as needed
Providing community leadership and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels on behalf of children, district programs and public education
The Board is authorized to establish and finance any program or activity that is not in conflict with, inconsistent with, or preempted by law. (Education Code 35160)

The Board may delegate any of its duties to the Superintendent or designee but shall be ultimately responsible for the performance of any duties it delegates. (Education Code 35161)

Meet the Board

Caro Jauregui - Trustee Area 1

Board President

Caro is committed to the next seven generations. Caro and her three sisters attended all local schools including Daniel Phelan Elementary, George Washington Elementary, Katherine Edwards Middle School and Pioneer High School. She received a full ride to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her B.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies, with a Minor in Public Policy. In 2013 Caro received a Master of Public Policy from Mills College. Caro is a Lyme disease warrior and often lives with limited mobility. Caro works in the community planning field and has been with California Walks since 2015. For over a decade, Caro has been on the red road learning to live every day in ceremony.

Appointed to the Board in 2020. Current term through November 2024

Elizabeth Leon - Trustee Area 2

Board Member

Elected to the Board in 2020. Current term through November 2024

Richard Hever - Trustee Area 3

Board Member

Richard “Rick” Hever is a 40 plus year resident of Whittier. A graduate of El Rancho High School. Married to wife Bernadette Hever for 35 years. They have two adult children, both of whom graduated from Whittier High School. Their daughter, Andrea Hever, graduated from Biola University with a B.A. in Communications. Their son, Isaiah Hever, currently works for the City of Los Angeles as an Equipment Operator.

Rick is newly retired from the City of Los Angeles where he worked for thirty-five years as a Refuse Collection Truck Operator. He is currently a representative of Primerica Financial Services. He is a skilled craftsman in woodworking. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his family and friends. Rick served as a Royal Ranger Commander for twelve years, a Sunday School Teacher for over thirty years and he has participated in mission trips to Ensenada Mexico. His goals in life are: to glorify the Lord in word and deed, to be a role model and to serve his community.

Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

Elected to the Board in 2022. Current term through November 2026