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View All News - Hacienda La Puente Unified School District
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Hacienda La Puente Unified Celebrates Grand Opening of High School Sports Complex
Nancy Yeang
Mar
26
2026
10
46
AM
Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD) celebrated the grand opening of William Workman High School’s Sports Complex on March 19, marking a transformative investment that provides students and the community with a long-awaited home for athletics, school traditions, and shared community experiences.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed elected officials and representatives, students, staff, families, alumni, and future Lobos to be among the first to step onto the new sports fields, score the honorary first soccer goals and football touchdowns, and practice their athletic skills.
Workman senior and Associated Student Body treasurer Carlos Ayala said he looks forward to attending the home baseball games and cheering on the team.
“This stadium marks a new era for Workman High and it’s something students and alumni have been advocating for over many years,” Ayala said. “We finally have a place to call home where we can host games and events. I’m excited for school spirit to grow and for future Lobos to create lasting memories.”
The project reflects years of planning and community advocacy supported by the HLPUSD Board of Education. Phase I, approved in 2017, transformed the former grass field into a modern athletic field, featuring a rubberized eight-lane track and field event area and upgrades to the tennis courts.
Building on that progress, the Board advanced Phase II in 2021 with a $16 million investment to construct new sports fields with a synthetic turf field for football and soccer, new baseball field, spectator seating for 500 guests, enhanced athletic amenities, and accessibility improvements for students, families, and visitors.
“This project creates a space that truly belongs to our students and community, and I’m looking forward to enjoying those Friday night lights,” Workman Principal Timothy Espinosa said. “Having a home venue strengthens school pride and gives our students opportunities to build traditions, celebrate achievements, and connect through shared experiences that define the Lobos spirit.”
The sports complex will serve as a central gathering space for athletic competitions, school events, and community celebrations, allowing programs and activities to be hosted on campus rather than at off-site locations.
“The opening of this complex reflects our commitment to investing in facilities that bring people together and support the whole student experience,” HLPUSD Superintendent John Roach said. “Providing students with a place where they can compete, gather, and represent their school strengthens community pride and reinforces the important role our schools play at the heart of the community.”
PHOTOS
Workman High School athletes score the honorary first soccer goals and football touchdowns as part of the Workman Sports Complex ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 19.
A Lobos family is among the first community members to enjoy Workman’s brand-new athletic fields during the grand opening of its sports complex on March 19.
Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD) celebrated the grand opening of Workman’s Sports Complex on March 19 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pictured from left to right: HLPUSD Superintendent John Roach, Board Member Jeffrey De La Torre, Board Vice President Adriana Quinonez, Board Member Stephanie Serrano, Board President Gino Kwok, Board Clerk Nancy Loera, and Workman Principal Timothy Espinosa.
Hacienda La Puente Unified Appoints Long-Time Educator John Roach as Superintendent
Nancy Yeang
Jan
2026
11
45
AM
John Roach has been selected as the next Superintendent of Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), bringing decades of experience in public education, a deep commitment to student success, and a passion for creating safe, engaging learning environments rooted in transparency and collaboration.
Throughout his career, Roach has served in a wide range of educational leadership and instructional roles, including assistant superintendent of educational services; senior director of assessment, research, data analysis, and educational technology; director of secondary curriculum; middle school principal; and elementary school teacher. Each role has reinforced his dedication to public education and to supporting students, staff, and families.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to join a dedicated and talented team of professional educators and staff as the next superintendent of HLPUSD,” Roach said. “I look forward to building upon the strong foundation of success and opportunities available to our students and community, and collaborating with all of our partners to move the District forward with purpose, innovation and equity.”
Roach earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Idaho and later completed his master’s degree in educational administration at California State University, San Bernardino.
The District’s Board of Education voted to approve Roach’s appointment as the permanent superintendent during a Dec. 11 Board meeting.
“Everybody here on this dais sees your passion, drive, and commitment to public education,” Board president Gino Kwok said during the meeting. “We look forward to working with you in service of our students and community. The best days of our school district lay ahead under your leadership”
The District led a comprehensive superintendent search throughout the fall semester, which included establishing selection criteria, gathering community input through an online survey, holding individual and group meetings, and conducting an extensive review and interview process.
Roach officially assumed the role of Superintendent on Jan. 5, 2026.
PHOTO
Long-time educator John Roach has been selected as the next Superintendent of Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.
13 year old-from California named America's Top Young Scientist
Jeff Moerdyke
Oct
15
2025
10
05
AM
3M
and
Discovery Education
named Kevin Tang, an 8
th
grader at Cedarlane Academy of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Hacienda Heights, California, as the winner of the
2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge
Hacienda La Puente Unified Welcomes Back More Than 15,000 Students for 2025-26 School Year
Nancy Yeang
Aug
2025
57
AM
Red carpets, cheering squads, and vibrant energy marked the first day of the 2025-26 school year as Hacienda La Puente Unified School District welcomed back more than 15,000 students across 28 campuses on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
At Wedgeworth Elementary School, students began the year on a brand-new, two-story campus featuring 30 modern classrooms, smart technology, energy-efficient systems, and a fully outfitted kitchen. The indoor/outdoor multipurpose room offers a flexible learning and activity space, while an underground stormwater basin — designed to capture 1.5 million gallons of water — underscores the District’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
“I know one friend in my class, but I'm a little nervous to meet other people,” said Wedgeworth third-grader Jacob Zane, whose favorite subject is math. “I'm happy I'm here though and my teacher already gave me a hug and said hi to me.”
William Workman High School students proudly walked the red carpet into the new school year, excited about the anticipated completion of a new Sports Complex.
“Having a place on our own campus where our students can play means a lot to our students, athletes, and families,” Workman Principal Timothy Espinosa said. “We look forward to welcoming the Lobos community as we open our stadium this fall.”
This school year will also mark the first graduating class from the Workman Early College Academy Network (WECAN), which allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree in communications through a partnership with Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC). This will also be the first year with ninth-grade students taking college-level courses.
In addition to WECAN, Hacienda La Puente Unified offers a broad range of innovative, future-ready programs, including Dual Language Immersion in Spanish, Mandarin, and Korean, and career technical education (CTE) pathways in 11 industry sectors such as engineering, aviation, and the nationally recognized Public Safety program.
Sparks Middle School will also begin offering early college preparation through Mt. SAC’s Upward Bound program, guiding students toward higher education success.
Orange Grove Middle School sixth- and seventh-grade science teacher Cynthia Higbee said she loves teaching and is excited to provide an engaging computer, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (C-STEM) environment for students.
“I can’t wait to start with our C-STEM curriculum, where we integrate computing and robotics and get our kids started with block programming,” Higbee said. “It’s important for our students to get into the labs, analyze data, and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information.”
In addition to its rigorous academics, HLPUSD supports students through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a comprehensive framework that addresses academic, behavioral, and social-emotional student needs. Grounded in data and a strengths-based approach, MTSS empowers educators to deliver targeted instruction, make informed decisions, and ensure positive outcomes for all students.
Throughout the summer months, students participated in a variety of enrichment programs to support academic and social growth and ease the transition back to school. More than 200 HLPUSD staff also took part in the District’s summer institute, engaging in professional development topics including curriculum updates, inclusive teaching practices, and strategies to support diverse academic and social-emotional needs.
“As we begin a new academic year, Hacienda La Puente Unified remains dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to succeed in an interconnected world,” Acting Superintendent Manoj Roychowdhury said. “The first day of school sets the tone for a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels inspired to thrive.”
PHOTOS
Wedgeworth Elementary School students celebrate their newly-constructed campus during the first day of school on Aug. 6
William Workman High School percussion students welcome back their peers with lively music on the first day of school on Aug. 6.
Orange Grove Middle School students help kick off a new school year with warm greetings for their fellow Ocelots on Aug. 6.
August 2025
Back to School
Final Superintendent Message to the Community: Thank you
Nancy Yeang
Jun
30
2025
00
PM
Dear Hacienda La Puente Unified School District Community,
As I prepare to close this chapter in my journey with Hacienda La Puente Unified, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each one of you. Serving as Superintendent of this incredible District has been one of the greatest honors of my career.
What makes HLPUSD truly special isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are. This District is home to compassionate, dedicated educators; curious, resilient students; and a community that consistently shows up with care, commitment, and hope. Together, we have built an environment rooted in our shared belief that every learner can succeed — whether it's students earning their high school diplomas, educators pursuing advanced degrees, or parents advocating for their children’s future.
To our teachers and staff
: thank you for your unwavering dedication and for going above and beyond every single day. I see the extra steps you take not only to uplift your students, but to challenge yourselves. The time, energy, and care you invest in continually growing your own skills speaks volumes about your passion for teaching and your commitment to student success. I trust that you will continue this energy and momentum and carry it into the next school year.
To our students
: thank you for inspiring me with your creativity, courage, and kindness. You are the heart and soul of this District, and everything we do is for you. Whether your journey leads to college, a career in a trade skill, or being the first in your family to graduate, I’m incredibly proud to have walked alongside you these past five years.
To our families and community partners
: thank you for your trust, your advocacy, and your steadfast belief in what’s possible when we work together. I have learned so much through our conversations, and I know that your passion for your children and your community will continue to shape a strong and resilient future for HLPUSD.
As I step into my next chapter, I do so with immense pride in what we’ve accomplished—and with full confidence in the road ahead. Though I will no longer be leading this District, I will always carry with me the memories, relationships, and lessons I’ve gained here.
It has been a true pleasure and privilege to serve as your Superintendent. From the bottom of my heart—thank you. I will always be #ProudtobeHLPUSD.
Wishing you continued strength, joy, and every success.
Dr. Alfonso Jiménez
Final Day as Superintendent
Mensaje final del Superintendente a la comunidad: Gracias
Estimada comunidad del Distrito Escolar Unificado Hacienda La Puente,
Al prepararme para cerrar este capítulo de mi trayectoria en el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Hacienda La Puente, quiero expresar mi más sincero agradecimiento a cada uno de ustedes. Ser superintendente de este increíble Distrito ha sido uno de los mayores honores de mi carrera.
Lo que hace a HLPUSD verdaderamente especial no es solo lo que hacemos, sino quiénes somos. Este Distrito alberga educadores compasivos y dedicados; estudiantes curiosos y resilientes; y una comunidad que siempre se presenta con cariño, compromiso y esperanza. Juntos, hemos construido un entorno arraigado en nuestra convicción compartida de que todos los estudiantes pueden tener éxito, ya sean estudiantes que obtienen sus diplomas de preparatoria, educadores que cursan estudios superiores o padres que defienden el futuro de sus hijos.
A nuestros profesores y personal
: gracias por su inquebrantable dedicación y por ir más allá cada día. Veo los pasos adicionales que dan no solo para motivar a sus alumnos, sino también para desafiarse a sí mismos. El tiempo, la energía y el cuidado que invierten en el desarrollo continuo de sus habilidades dicen mucho de su pasión por la enseñanza y su compromiso con el éxito estudiantil. Confío en que mantendrán esta energía e impulso durante el próximo año escolar.
A nuestros estudiantes
: gracias por inspirarme con su creatividad, valentía y amabilidad. Son el alma de este Distrito, y todo lo que hacemos es por ustedes. Ya sea que su camino los lleve a la universidad, a una carrera profesional o a ser los primeros de su familia en graduarse, me siento increíblemente orgulloso de haberlos acompañado estos últimos cinco años.
A nuestras familias y socios comunitarios
: gracias por su confianza, su apoyo y su firme convicción de que podemos lograrlo trabajando juntos. He aprendido muchísimo en nuestras conversaciones y sé que su pasión por sus hijos y su comunidad seguirá forjando un futuro sólido y resiliente para HLPUSD.
Al comenzar mi próximo capítulo, lo hago con inmenso orgullo por lo que hemos logrado y con plena confianza en el camino que nos espera. Aunque ya no dirigiré este Distrito, siempre llevaré conmigo los recuerdos, las relaciones y las lecciones que he adquirido aquí.
Ha sido un verdadero placer y privilegio servir como su Superintendente. Gracias de todo corazón. Siempre estaré #OrgullosoDeSerHLPUSD.
Deseándole continua fuerza, alegría y mucho éxito.
Dr. Alfonso Jiménez
Último día como superintendente
校长致社区的最后信息：谢谢
亲爱的 Hacienda La Puente 联合学区社区，
在我即将结束与 Hacienda La Puente Unified 合作的旅程之际，我想向你们每一位致以最深切的谢意。能够担任这个杰出学区的学监，是我职业生涯中最大的荣誉之一。
HLPUSD 的真正特别之处，不仅在于我们所做的工作，更在于我们本身。这个学区汇聚了富有同情心、敬业奉献的教育工作者；充满好奇心、坚韧不拔的学生；以及一个始终充满关爱、奉献和希望的社区。我们携手共建了一个根植于共同信念的环境：每个学习者都能成功——无论是正在攻读高中文凭的学生、正在攻读高级学位的教育工作者，还是为孩子的未来奔走呼号的家长。
致我们的老师和员工
：感谢你们坚定不移的奉献精神，以及每一天超越自我的努力。我看到你们付出的额外努力不仅是为了提升学生，也是为了挑战自我。你们为不断提升自身技能所投入的时间、精力和关爱，充分体现了你们对教学的热情以及对学生成功的承诺。我相信你们会将这份活力和动力延续到下一个学年。
致我们的学生们
：感谢你们用创造力、勇气和善良激励着我。你们是这个学区的灵魂，我们所做的一切都是为了你们。无论你们的人生旅程是通往大学、从事专业技能，还是成为家里第一个毕业的孩子，我都无比自豪在过去的五年里与你们并肩前行。
致我们的家人和社区伙伴
：感谢你们的信任、支持，以及你们对共同努力所能实现的坚定信念。通过我们的交流，我学到了很多，我相信你们对孩子和社区的热情将继续塑造HLPUSD强大而富有韧性的未来。
当我踏入人生的新篇章时，我为我们取得的成就感到无比自豪，并对未来的道路充满信心。虽然我将不再领导这个地区，但我将永远铭记在这里获得的回忆、关系和经验。
能够担任你们的校长，我感到非常荣幸。衷心感谢您！我将永远以#ProudtobeHLPUSD（HLPUSD 联合学区）为荣。
祝您继续坚强、快乐、取得一切成功。
阿方索·希门尼斯博士
担任主管的最后一天