April 18, 2022

Mary Wendland was named director of Educational Projects and Assessment. Bringing 22 years of experience to her new post, Wendland has served as principal at Collegewood Elementary since 2016. This year, she additionally provided oversight of the TK-8 districtwide Virtual Learning/Independent Study Program as interim director of Expanded Learning Opportunities. Prior to that, Wendland was a classroom teacher and Title I coordinator at Vejar Elementary for 13 years. She has also been principal at Upland Elementary and an adjunct professor in the graduate reading program at the University of La Verne. Wendland is a graduate of Walnut High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree at California State University, Fullerton, master’s degree at Azusa Pacific University, and doctoral degree at the University of La Verne.

Rochelle Wolf was approved as the new school leader at Collegewood Elementary. For the past six years, she has served as principal at Woodcrest Elementary School in the Fullerton ESD. She has also been assistant principal at Orangethorpe Elementary for two years and teacher at Woodcrest Elementary for seven years. Wolf holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, and master’s degree from Brandman University, Irvine. Wolf begins her new duties in June.

Gabriel Cardenas joins Evergreen Elementary as the new school principal. For the past 13 years he has served as principal at Mildred B. Janson Elementary in the Rosemead School District. In 2021, under his leadership, the school became a Leader in Me “Legacy” School, only the second school in the world to earn the prestigious title. He has also been Migrant Education Rosemead Consortium coordinator for two years and elementary teacher for seven years. Cardenas earned a bachelor’s degree at California State University, Los Angeles, master’s degree at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, and doctoral degree at Azusa Pacific University. Cardenas will begin his new duties at Evergreen in June.

Kim McNeil was appointed as the new principal at Maple Hill Elementary. A passionate and focused educational leader, McNeil currently serves as the school’s interim principal. Prior to that, she was the elementary learning specialist for five years and teacher for 12 years. McNeil holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton and master’s degree from Concordia University.

Earlier this year, Trustees also appointed Paula Dominguez as director of the Child Care and Preschool Program. Amber Verdi was also approved as coordinator of Special Education.