Gabrielino High School will welcome a new principal for the 2026-27 school year after Principal Vince Lopez retires at the end of this school year. At the San Gabriel Unified School District Board meeting on April 28, district officials announced that current Co-Vice Principal Chanda Strom, a former chemistry teacher, will become Gabrielino’s next principal.
As she prepares to become principal, Strom emphasized collaboration and student involvement in decision-making. She pointed to the school’s cell phone policy as an example of student input shaping campus rules.
“If changes need to be made, it should be done in collaboration with those being affected by the decision,” Strom said.
Strom also said she hopes to rebuild student connection on campus and increase school activities that were reduced after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want students to feel connected to the school and to other students who may not be their best friends,” Strom said.
She added that she plans to expand student choice in academics and continue moving toward a more student-centered environment, making sure to include students in important school decisions.
Strom has been part of the Gabrielino community for several years, first as a chemistry teacher in the science department before moving into administration. She said she was drawn to the school because of its collaborative environment.
“I chose Gabrielino because the science department worked well together and there was freedom to try new things,” Strom said.
“My love for the students, community and staff was fantastic,” Strom said. “It was a true community.”
During her time as a teacher, Strom designed the Applied Chemistry course, which launched in 2018, and focused on making science more accessible for students.
“My job was always to make things better for kids, starting with chemistry, so they did not feel it was something they could not learn,” Strom said.
She later moved into administration after initially hesitating to apply for the assistant principal position. Strom said she was encouraged by others in the district and realized her experience had prepared her for leadership.
“I realized that everything I had been doing since I started was actually preparing me for that space,” Strom said.
Staff members described Strom as approachable and collaborative. Gabrielino staff member Megan Amen said Strom is well known across campus and values teamwork.
Amen said she is excited for what Gabrielino can be under Strom’s leadership.
“She is super friendly and has a great sense of humor, values teamwork and uses a collaborative approach,” Amen said.
Students who have worked with Strom as both a teacher and administrator said she is supportive and involved. Senior Maria Ulloa said Strom consistently helps students understand material.
“Whenever I did not understand something, she made sure to help me and actually explain it,” Ulloa said.
Senior Haylie Ly said Strom is highly engaged with students outside the classroom as well.
“I love seeing her at events; she always has a smile on her face and is happy to see you. She makes you feel appreciated and always tells us she is proud of us,” Ly said.
Strom said she hopes students remember that success is possible regardless of circumstances.
“Every student can create success for themselves no matter what happens around them,” Strom said.
As Gabrielino prepares for another leadership transition, students and staff said they expect continuity under a leader who already understands the school community.
