Whittier Union Marks Significant Progress with Districtwide Performing Arts Center

CommunityEducationHuman InterestPress Release

Whittier Union Marks Significant Progress with Districtwide Performing Arts Center
Whittier Union High School District’s new Performing Arts Center will feature a vibrant 450-seat theater with a full fly loft and convertible orchestra pit, individual teaching and workshop spaces, and expansive lobby and outdoor gathering areas.
Whittier Union High School District (WUHSD) is taking a significant step forward in its efforts to expand and celebrate arts education, moving ahead with plans for its new Performing Arts Center (PAC) – a state-of-the-art facility that will serve visual and performing arts (VAPA) students from across the District.
 
The PAC, set to be built on the northwest side of the United Sierra Education Center, recently received final approval from the Division of the State Architect. With this milestone complete, the District’s general contractor is moving forward with bidding out the work, which will then be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. Construction is slated to begin shortly thereafter.
 
“This is the largest bond-funded project in our District’s history…and one of the most meaningful,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “What makes it truly special is the way it came together. This Performing Arts Center reflects the voices of students, teachers, administrators, and staff. It is more than a building, it’s a symbol of our shared commitment to creativity, collaboration, and excellence.”

The new center will feature a vibrant 450-seat theater with a full fly loft and a convertible orchestra pit, individual teaching and workshop spaces, and expansive lobby and outdoor gathering areas. Once complete, the PAC will host Districtwide performances across all art disciplines, including theater, choir, band, and more.
 
Throughout the planning process, Whittier Union emphasized collaboration, inviting input from a range of stakeholders, including performing arts teachers, students, facilities and maintenance teams, cabinet members, and landscaping crews.
In a workshop with architects and teachers, students shared their vision for the new Performing Arts Center, which directly inspired elements of the final design.
“From the big-picture purpose of the building to the specific HVAC systems and the type of plants we wanted on site, everyone has put their stamp of approval on this project,” WUHSD Director of Business Operations Steven Rodriguez said. “This is a once-in-a-career project for many of us, and we wanted it to reflect the community it will serve.”
 
Students also played an important role in shaping the project. In a workshop with architects and teachers, students shared their vision for the PAC, which directly inspired elements of the final design. The front of the building will feature artwork inspired by student performances, while the walls in the backstage area will be inscribed with quotes generated during student focus groups.
 
The PAC’s construction, funded through the District’s Measure AA bond, will follow a 20-month timeline, with estimated completion in summer 2027. The first phase will include two months of earthwork to prepare the site’s foundation. The District is working closely with the City of Whittier to ensure continued access to nearby fields for youth sports during the construction period.
 
“Once complete, the PAC will become the crown jewel of Whittier Union,” Oviedo said. “This will be a professional-grade venue that supports student expression and community celebration for generations to come.”

Whittier Union Marks Significant Progress with Districtwide Performing Arts Center