Menifee School District Approves Lease for Boys & Girls Club

Sue Kristjansson and Bill Zimmerman stand outside the recreation area which is part of the facility to be used by the Menifee Valley Boys and Girls Club.

The Menifee Valley Boys and Girls Club moved one step closer to reality today when the Menifee Union School District Board approved a multi-year lease agreement for the club to use the former Menifee Valley Elementary School on Garbani Road.

Board members, who expressed satisfaction with a presentation about the club at a previous meeting, approved an agreement which requires no rent from the organization but does require the club to pay for landscaping, electricity, phones and any other expenses the district would incur from that property.

Securing the location was one of the last hurdles the group needed to clear in order to begin advertising for volunteer staff and developing programs for local youths. Having already incorporated and received tax exempt status from the state, club board members now only await the finalization of the group's federal 501(c)(3) status, which will put it in better position to accept private donations.

"The 501(c)(3) is in the process," said Bill Zimmerman, one of the board members present at the meeting. "As soon as we have that, we can be confident in going to the city and others to seek funding."

Sue Kristjansson, chair of the club's board of directors, said the 501(c)(3) is in the final review phase, which should be completed within 30 days. Meanwhile, various donations have already come in, totaling about $8,500.

"I would like to thank Ms. Kristjansson, Mr. Zimmerman and all those with the Boys and Girls Club for helping to see this project through," said MUSD Superintendent Dr. Steve Kennedy. "I'm excited for what this will mean for students in this community and their families, who deserve more diversified activities for their children in before- and after-school activities."

Kristjansson said the building's previous tenant, Santa Rosa Academy, left the facility in excellent condition and that no major renovations are needed. Board members hope to have sports programs in operation later this fall and a full program offering academic support and enrichment in the arts in operation around the first of the year.

If you have questions about the Menifee Valley Boys & Girls Club or to make a donation, call Sue Kristjansson 951-282-4717.