Dr. Jennifer Root named new MUSD superintendent

Editor's note: The following is a news release from the Menifee Union School District. FYI, Dr. Jennifer Root is no relation to MUSD board member Kyle Root.

The Menifee Union School District Board of Education is pleased to name distinguished educator Dr. Jennifer Root as the new Superintendent pending contract negotiations and final Board approval on Sept. 22.

Dr. Root’s career spans 27 years as an elementary and middle school teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and assistant superintendent. As the current Assistant Superintendent of Business Services in Anaheim Union High School District, Dr. Root monitors a $400 million budget and oversees numerous departments including fiscal services, maintenance & operations, payroll, purchasing, transportation, food services, and facilities.

Before joining the Anaheim team, Dr. Root was the Chief Business Officer and Director of Student Services in Covina-Valley Unified School District. Prior to these roles, Dr. Root spent 11 years as an elementary principal serving students in both high performing and program improvement schools. While leading Hodges Elementary in Azusa USD, Dr. Root implemented an award-winning dual immersion program that encompasses a pre-school bi-literacy academy which is still flourishing today.

“As we navigated the superintendent search, Dr. Root repeatedly demonstrated that she was the right person to lead our great district forward,” noted Board President Jacquelyn Johansen. “She is a true scholar, with a strong working knowledge of our district. It is rare to find a Superintendent with such a rich background in both the teaching and operational side of schooling. Dr. Root’s appreciation for the work of all staff will serve MUSD well as we grow as an organization.”

Earlier this year, Dr. Root received the prestigious Robert Gray Service Award from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) for her exceptional service and dedication to public education. In 2019, she was named Business Services Administrator of the Year in Orange County.

Throughout her career, Dr. Root has continuously sought further professional development, obtaining degrees and certification in Organizational Change and Leadership, Business Management, School Administration, Language Development, and Psychology.

The Board wishes to extend its appreciation to Dr. Root and each of the applicants who showed an interest in the position. Trustees also expressed tremendous gratitude to MUSD employees, community stakeholders and the ESS search firm for their valuable input throughout this process.

“While there are both obstacles and opportunities ahead of us,” said Johansen, “the pathway seems brighter with such an experienced leader at the helm.”

Dr. Gary Rutherford will continue to serve as MUSD’s interim superintendent through mid-October and will work closely with Dr. Root to ensure a seamless transition as the district’s new leader.