Dr. Jennifer Root is joined by board members Jackie Johansen, J. Kyle Root, and Bob O’Donnell.
Press release from the Menifee Union School District:
MENIFEE — The Menifee Union School District is proud to announce that four of its leaders have been recognized by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 19 for their exceptional contributions to public education. These honors reflect the district’s commitment to fostering excellence, innovation, and student success across every level of the organization.
The 2026 honorees include Dr. Jennifer Root, Superintendent of the Year; Melinda Conde, Student Services Administrator of the Year; Dr. Patrice Harris, Middle Grades Principal of the Year; and Bonnie Chilton, Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year.
Over the past six years of her leadership, Dr. Root has been defined by measurable excellence, including a transformative surge in student attendance, the cultivation of a rigorous culture of high expectations for every learner, and movement toward district-wide TK-8 pathways.
“This recognition is a testament to the vision and leadership Dr. Root brings to our schools every day,” said Kyle Root, MUSD Board President. “Her dedication to innovation has pushed Menifee Union School District to new heights, creating an environment where every student truly has the opportunity to be ‘limitless.'”
Following her regional recognition, Dr. Root also achieved the distinguished honor of being named the ACSA State Superintendent of the Year. She will be recognized for this prestigious statewide award at a ceremony in November and a national conference representing the State of California in February 2027.
Reflecting on the superintendent’s contributions, Board President J. Kyle Root added, “This honor highlights the vision and leadership Dr. Root brings to our schools every day. Her dedication to innovation has inspired MUSD to new heights.”
As a vital leader in student support, Melinda Conde has been instrumental in creating an inclusive environment where every learner has the resources they need to thrive. Her dedication to the well-being of MUSD students ensures that barriers to learning are removed, fostering a culture of empathy and support that empowers children to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Under her leadership, the district has been recognized multiple times at the state level for improving attendance and re-engagement for students.
Dr. Patrice Harris is recognized for her dynamic leadership at the middle school level, a pivotal stage in the development of our students. Her deep commitment to school site culture has fostered a school environment where young learners are challenged to reach their full potential.
Through her leadership, Bell Mountain has been recognized at both a state level and a national level with a PBIS Gold Recognition, and as a State and National School to Watch Recognition.
Bonnie Chilton’s recognition highlights her dedicated service and impactful leadership most recently at the elementary level. By cultivating a positive, high-achieving environment for our youngest learners, Chilton has played a critical role in building a strong academic success at each site she has served in MUSD. Her commitment to high quality instruction has resulted in marked growth in academic achievement at each school she has served.
“This collective recognition by ACSA Region 19 and state-wide ACSA proves the talent and tireless dedication present at every level of the Menifee Union School District,” said J. Kyle Root. “It is a privilege to witness our leaders being honored for their work in creating an environment where every student truly has the opportunity to be ‘limitless.'”
The award recipients will be formally honored by ACSA Region 19 at an upcoming ceremony in May 2026. For more information regarding the Menifee Union School District and its award-winning programs, please visit https://www.menifeeusd.org
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