James touches many lives with her dedication to education

By Tommie Brown, Staff Writer

“I’ve worked for Menifee School District schools for 32 years,” says Midge James, Menifee’s veteran source on all things education. “Menifee’s small town feel drew me in, and it’s that same feeling that made me stay.”

Having taken on the revamped “Hometown Heroes” feature, the first person I had in mind to kick off the column was Midge James. While I’ve known her for nearly 20 years, starting out as my principal at Ridgemoor Elementary School in 1999, James has been an active part of MUSD since 1984.

“I started off as a teacher at Menifee Elementary School, and in total for all of Menifee, there were 500 students K through sixth grade,” she recalled.

From being an elementary school teacher to heading the opening of Ridgemoor Elementary School for 17 years to being a member of the Santa Rosa Academy School Board, James has been a part of Menifee’s school systems in nearly every way.

From the time I started out in MUSD as a kindergartner to my senior year graduating from Paloma Valley High School, James was the overseer of my education -- not only showing me which path to take, but making sure I stayed on that path all along the way.

There are few moments in one’s life where they can confidently say, 'If this hadn’t happened, I would not be who I am today.' There is no greater moment for me than one in which James was at the forefront.

I remember when my mom came home on the brink of tears, telling me both she and Mrs. James had decided to hold me back in second grade. My mom was so upset.

“I was afraid she was going to think we were saying you weren’t smart,” James chuckled when reminded of the story. “When really it was just that you were so small and so young. I knew it was right. But look how well it all turned out for you. I really do believe your life would have been completely different if that not had happened.”

And she was correct. Like thousands of other students James had a hand in teaching and guiding, my education and ultimately my life prospered because of the decisions she fought for and the natural instinct for teaching she carries.

But it is not only the students James has a positive impact on. It's their parents and guardians as well. James taught my own parent how to allow me to grow, how to not see struggles in retention as failure, and that sometimes the best thing you can do is to trust others.

James united families, cultivating communities out of grade schoolers and their families. She created homes out of tile and cement for not only Menifee Elementary and Ridgemoor Elementary, but also in opening Herk Bouris Elementary and advising in Santa Rosa Academy, where she currently works as a retired principal gone tutor.

“I’ll always keep a toe in the door with Menifee schools,” she laughed. “I just can’t seem to walk away.”

From my elementary school days to my little sister’s recent K-5 experience at Santa Rosa Academy, James - in her famous polka dot dresses - will always be a pillar in not only my life but my family’s life. From students she taught to parents she coached to faculty she trained and hired, MUSD would not be the success story that it is had it not been for James’ noteworthy patience, kindness, and professionalism.

“Why have you stuck around so long? Why not go to another district, or move on?” I asked James, after wondering the answer to this for the last 20 years.

“Parents," she said. "I stay because the parents really support their kids in Menifee. They really support their education.”

Speaking on behalf of the countless lives she touched, Midge James we thank you for all of the support and education you have given to us all.

Tommie Brown salutes "Hometown Heroes" on a regular basis. If you would like to nominate someone who serves others in the community and should be recognized, email Tommie at info@menifee247.com.