The Archdiocese of Los Angeles, through the insistence of Cardinal James Francis McIntyre, entrusted Bishop Mora Salesian High School to the care and spirit of the Salesians of Don Bosco as a way of building up the faith community of Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

During these years, the student body reflected the ethnic diversity of the neighborhood and was composed of Latinos, African-Americans, Japanese-Americans, Italian-Americans and Irish-Americans.

Salesian High School discontinued the shop and business programs and redirected resources into the college preparatory offerings.

In 1988, the Salesians of Don Bosco responded to their declining number of religious in the Western Province by withdrawing from the administration of the school.

By agreement with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the principal will be a lay person familiar with the Salesian Preventive System of Education.

In 1998, the John and Dorothy Shea Foundation announced a $7 million grant to partially finance the construction of new academic, athletic, and multi-purpose facilities on the campus.

Bishop Gabino Zavala led the prayers for the re-dedication of the statue, urging all to be active ministers of the Word of God.