BALDWIN PARK – During his 22 years as a Board of Education member for Baldwin Park Unified, Jack B. White championed the expansion of the Early Childhood Education program, initiated construction of a three-story science and engineering building, and modernized athletic stadiums and fields at two high schools.
White, who retired in 2015, will see his contributions to the District recognized through the dedication and naming of Sierra Vista High School’s stadium in his honor on Friday, Sept. 22 during a Dons’ varsity football game.
“I was glad to have a part in the original modernization of the stadium and field, and it is nice to be recognized for my involvement,” White said. “A lot of people deserve credit for the stadium and field, and I am honored to have this dedication.”
White was first elected to the Board of Education in 1970 and served as board president from 1974 to 1978. Then, after 10 years as Baldwin Park’s mayor, he returned to the Board of Education in 2001, serving until December 2015.
“I discovered through my position on the Board that I could help a lot of people,” White said. “I always enjoyed seeing the successes of the students and the schools.”
White helped to obtain more than $145 million in state and federal funds for Baldwin Park Unified over his two stretches on the board. The funds paid to renovate school campuses, as well as to build the state-of-the-art North Park Continuation High School campus, two District auto centers and a three-story science and engineering building at Sierra Vista High School.
During his first two terms, White expanded the Early Childhood Education program to meet the needs of pregnant students – who at that time were not allowed to complete their education. White pursued an equal opportunity platform by creating a structure to provide students with parenting lessons as they pursued their education.
“The Board was committed to all students having access to top-quality education, regardless of their hardships,” White said.
White said that one of his proudest achievements was upgrading the athletic stadiums and fields at Sierra Vista and Baldwin Park high schools. He advocated for Baldwin Park students to have access to top-of-the-line athletic fields after watching his grandson play football on a renovated field.
“Jack White helped our District grow and succeed during times of great challenges. He always kept the best interests of students as the main priority,” Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza said. “We will be forever grateful for his contributions to Baldwin Park Unified. We hope this dedication provides a lasting demonstration of our appreciation.”
White served in the Korean War as a paratrooper for the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from 1951 to 1955. After returning, he earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice at California State University, Los Angeles.
From 1958 to 1984, White worked for the Los Angeles Police Department. He was promoted to police commander in 1976. He left the department to serve as chief of the Bureau of Investigations for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office from 1984 to 1992.
Since his retirement, White said he enjoys spending time with family and working in his woodshop.
White will attend the dedication ceremony with his wife, two daughters, son and two grandsons.
“We are pleased to name the Sierra Vista High School stadium after a visionary and impactful leader,” Board of Education President Christina Lucero said. “Jack White continuously demonstrated a determination and passion for education and our students, and his work will not be forgotten.”
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BPUSD_WHITE_1: Retired Board of Education member Jack White will be recognized for his contributions to the Baldwin Park Unified District when Sierra Vista High School’s stadium is named in his honor on Friday, Sept. 22.