Melinda Conde was honored by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez.
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A district administrator in Menifee was named as one of the final 2026 Riverside County Educators of the Year during surprise visits to their district offices on Wednesday by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez.
Each year, Gomez conducts surprise visits to name the seven Riverside County Educators of the Year, who are selected from the more than 40,000 employees serving 430,000 students in more than 500 schools. All honorees will be recognized at the 2026 Celebrating Educators Luncheon, set for May 6 at the Riverside Convention Center.
Melinda Conde, director of student services for the Menifee Union School District, was named Certificated Administrator of the Year.
“Ms. Conde has created and implemented a district attendance playbook by standardizing attendance teams, implementing strong processes, and early intervention across all schools in the district,” said Gomez during the surprise visit. “She has strengthened district-wide leadership practice by establishing clear expectations for decision making through complex challenges and building accountability systems and coaching for site and district leaders that ensure every department and school remains focused on student belonging and success.”
“I want to do well for all of you, for the kids, and for our families,” said Conde minutes after the surprise announcement to a conference room filled with colleagues, family, and board members. “We have to care for the adults who care for the kids, and I just want to do a good job for you guys and for kids, and to make things work.”
Conde’s professional career includes roles as a probation officer, eighth grade math teacher, curriculum coach, assistant principal, and principal. Currently, she leads efforts to ensure that every system, every action, and every adult in a school district understands the “why” behind the vision and purpose of ensuring students benefit from their educators becoming the best versions of themselves.
In her role, she has systematized the work of community liaisons to better support foster and unhoused students, expanded access to mental health services, and strengthened school connectedness and overall student well-being. Melinda’s leadership has led to a 10 percent drop in chronic absenteeism and a 2 percent average daily attendance (ADA) increase through a comprehensive Attendance Re-Engagement Initiative that was awarded a Golden Bell from the California School Board Association (CSBA) in 2025.
Colleagues recognize Melinda for “cultivating a team that is not only efficient, but also deeply committed to supporting every student,” and for being “a compassionate, strategic, and results-driven leader who embodies the values of equity, collaboration, and excellence.”
Melinda earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in education. She holds a multiple-subject teaching credential and an administrative services credential. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in educational leadership. Melinda is a resident of Homeland.
