Menifee schools have been an important part of my life for many years. I’ve lived in Trustee Area 3 for 19 years and spent 12 years working for Menifee Union School District as a middle school math teacher and district administrator.

Today, I serve as an administrator in Instructional Services at the Riverside County Office of Education. My current role gives me the opportunity to work with and learn from school districts throughout Riverside County, see how they approach common challenges, and learn about practices that can improve teaching and learning. I would bring that broader perspective, along with my direct experience in Menifee, to the school board.

My family’s experience has also shaped my perspective. My wife, Rachel, spent 12 years teaching grades 4-7 in Menifee schools. Our son attended Menifee elementary and middle schools and was also homeschooled when we could not find the safe environment he needed to thrive. We believe in the potential of our public schools, and I want every student and family to have the opportunity to succeed.

Student and staff safety must be a priority. Every student deserves to attend school feeling safe, supported, and ready to learn. That requires attention to physical safety, bullying, mental and emotional well-being, and the concerns students and staff raise every day. We must listen when families report concerns, work collaboratively to address problems, and evaluate whether our policies and practices are making a difference. Safety is not simply about responding when something goes wrong; it is about creating an environment where students and staff feel protected, respected, and able to do their best.

We must strengthen student learning, especially in math. Our district’s county performance on the CA School Dashboard in math has fallen from second to fifth over the past eight years. With my background in math teaching and instructional support, I would bring an informed perspective to examining student data, identifying gaps, and supporting improvements that benefit students and teachers.

Families deserve a stronger voice. I want to establish regular opportunities to hear directly from families and students about what is working and where we need to improve. Good decisions begin with understanding the experiences of the people affected by them.

We must be responsible stewards of public resources. As financial challenges emerge, I will advocate for protecting classroom resources, carefully reviewing administrative spending, and ensuring teachers and classified staff have the compensation, supplies, and support they need.

I also want to expand Career Technical Education and create pathways that connect students’ interests to future educational and career opportunities.

I’m proud to be endorsed by the Riverside County Democratic Party and the California Democratic Party. I believe in a world that values curiosity, learning, and thoughtful discussion.

I’m sincerely asking for your vote. I’m ready to listen, and I’m ready to lead.

J Kyle Root

MUSD Board member

Incumbent

It has been my privilege to serve the Menifee Union School District for eight years, including my current role as Board President. As a 22-year Menifee resident, firefighter for 33 years, husband to Star Root, a dedicated MUSD educator for more than 20 years, and father of Preston and Carson, who attended Menifee Union schools, I understand the importance of providing every child with an outstanding education.

I am committed to leading with integrity, honesty, and transparency while ensuring every decision reflects what is best for students.

Together, we have expanded opportunities through full-day kindergarten, expanded Transitional Kindergarten, improved transportation services, re-instituted intramural sports, enhanced nutrition services with increased scratch cooking, improved student attendance, and created inclusive programs like All Star Field Day.

Student safety remains a priority. I have supported additional security cameras throughout our campuses and expanded bike and e-bike safety education.

Our district is financially strong, with new schools opening, Menifee Elementary School returning, and Career Technical Education pathways being developed across our middle schools and TK-8 academies.

As Menifee grows, I will advocate for fiscal responsibility, innovative learning opportunities, safe schools, and a high-quality education for every student. I respectfully ask for your vote as we build a limitless future for Menifee children and families.

My endorsements include:

Menifee Teachers Association

Edwin Gomes, County Superintendent of Schools

Former Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman

Jackie Johansen, MUSD Board

MUSD Trustee Area 4

Jackie Johansen

MUSD board member

Incumbent

Note: Johansen is running unopposed.

I am very grateful and humbled to serve on the Governing Board of Menifee Union School District. My mission has been to keep students at the center of everything I do. This has guided me as a trustee many times. When divisive moments arise, a focus on what is best for children and their education has made many decisions clear. My fellow board members have always been willing to do what is right for the growth of our students and community.

While serving as a board trustee and in partnership with the district and community, Menifee USD has had immense growth and progress. I am extremely proud of the collective efforts we have seen:

— Grew student population by 2,000+

— Highest performing TK-8 district in Riverside County

— 14 schools received Ca PBIS recognition for their support of positive behavior on campuses

— Opened Sally Buselt Elementary School

— Opened Kathryn Newport Middle School

— Modernized Menifee Valley Middle School

— Hans Christiansen Academy expansion to TK-8 with design pathway

— Modernized entry of Callie Kirkpatrick Elementary School

— Built a nutrition services warehouse for fresh cooked food and was awarded a $500,000 grant funding

— Expanded Transitional Kindergarten at all sites

— Added full-day kindergarten

— Doubled the enrollment options for preschool students

— Added ELOP after-school programs

— Added school intramural sports and after-school programs for all

— California Distinguished Schools for Menifee Valley Middle School and Kathryn Newport Middle School

— Highest student attendance in Riverside County

— Hosted the first “All Star Field Day” for students with special needs

— Founded Menifee Education Foundation with over $70,000 in donations

— Jennifer Root named California Superintendent of the Year, 2026

— U.S. News Best School awards: Harvest Hill Steam Academy, Bell Mountain Middle School, Chester W. Morrison Elementary, Herk Bouris Elementary, Quail Valley Elementary, Evans Ranch Elementary, Menifee Virtual School

— K-12 Strong Workforce Grant $1.25 million for workforce development in conjunction with Perris Union High School District and Mt. San Jacinto College

— Safety increases with additional cameras, lockdown and key card system, and emergency response drills

In upcoming years, MUSD has more growth ahead:

— Building a transportation department for expanded field trip opportunities and home transport

— Menifee Elementary School reopening in 2028 with dual immersion options

— Continually increasing student success using programs and assessment strategies, with added training for teachers and a continued focus on core subjects

— Educational pathways are being built at all middle schools

— Increasing access to preschool with options at Freedom Crest Elementary School

Again, thank you for all of your support as we continue forward. I hope to continue lifting students and keeping education in Menifee headed in the right direction.

MUSD Trustee Area 5

Morgan Singleton

MUSD board member

Incumbent

Note: Singleton is running unopposed.

I appreciate the chance to share a few words, even though my name won’t appear in a contested race this November. Running unopposed isn’t something I take as a given. I see it as a responsibility, and as a reflection of the trust this community has placed in our board.

Mostly, I want to say thank you. To the families who’ve reached out with questions, concerns, and ideas: you make me better at this job. To the teachers, classified staff, and administrators who show up for our kids every day: I see the work you do, often in very personal terms, because I do it too. To the voters and neighbors who’ve encouraged me along the way: your support means more than I can easily put into words.

My perspective on the board is shaped by my classroom. I teach students in a Resource Program, and every day I’m reminded that good policy comes down to whether a child gets what they need to learn and grow. That’s the lens I bring to every vote, and it’s the lens I’ll keep.

The next four years will bring real challenges and real opportunities for Menifee schools. I’m grateful for the chance to keep serving, and I’ll keep listening, keep showing up, and keep putting students first.

To the candidates in contested races this year, thank you for stepping up. Serving on a school board is demanding work, and it’s good for our community when people are willing to take it on.

Thank you, Menifee.