MUSD's Surguine named Confidential Employee of Year

Press release from Riverside County Office of Education:

MENIFEE – Tara Surguine was delivering a laptop to a conference room for her district superintendent at the Menifee Union School District on Tuesday morning. Inside, the executive assistant found a room full of her colleagues, family members, superintendent, a board member, and Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, waiting with flowers, balloons, and applause to celebrate the news that she is the 2022 Riverside County Confidential Employee of the Year.

“It was obvious to the selection committee that Mrs. Surguine’s success is rooted in her belief that a confidential employee has the privilege to see and hear sensitive information with the honor to be supportive and resourceful in response,” said Gomez, who presented the news to Surguine at the surprise visit. “She has been instrumental in updating nearly 800 board policies, promotes positive culture and climate, and has helped raise funds to help students in need during the holiday season.”

Surguine has served as an executive assistant for 33 years in private and public workplaces. For the last six years, she has served as the executive secretary to the superintendent and Governing Board at the Menifee Union School District. In her role, she provides direct assistance to all members of the board, the superintendent, and provides support to other assistants within the district.

She has shined during times of transition—between superintendents, with board agenda systems, and with the updating of hundreds of board policies. Beyond her professional duties, she has organized events to raise funds for children in the community.

“I am honored to work in such an amazing and wonderful district,” said Surguine immediately following the surprise announcement. “We couldn’t do what we do as a district without everybody here in this room.”