Menifee Union School District (MUSD) leaders highlighted recent achievements and future plans during Tuesday’s board meeting, including a multi-phase transportation initiative and recognition of several administrators honored at the regional and state levels.
District officials presented an overview of expanded transportation services, outlining a three-phase plan aimed at improving reliability, efficiency and student access.
According to the presentation, Phase 1 focused on bringing more transportation services in-house to reduce reliance on outside vendors, while also expanding the district’s “green” bus fleet and pursuing grant funding for electric vehicles. The grant funding will replace 17 CNG and diesel buses.
“We’re hoping that over time, this will actually save money. It’s going to make field trips cheaper, so our kids can have additional trips. It’s going to bring our work in-house and that’s going to be good for our Menifee district and community,” said Marc Bommarito, assistant superintendent of business services.
Phase 2, in practice this school year, focuses on targeted student support, improving attendance rates and ensuring safe, consistent transportation to and from school. Phase 3, expected in 2026–27, includes integrating additional school sites – including Quail Valley Elementary School — into the home-to-school transportation system.
There are plans for additional bus routes, but no specifics were given at this time.
The presentation also outlined plans for a regional field trip transportation network in partnership with neighboring districts, including Perris Elementary, Perris Union High, Romoland, Banning Unified and San Jacinto Unified school districts.
“I love the partnering with other districts because I actually talked to other districts and have been on other field trips with other districts and their buses have gotten cancelled,” board member Jackie Johansen said. “It’s not even in their control because it’s with another entity.”
Alongside the transportation update, the district recognized several administrators who have received honors from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 19.
The 2026 honorees include Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root, who was named both Region 19 and State 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.
“These honors reflect our district’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation and student success at every level,” said Jessica Gomez, director of Continuous Improvement and Accountability.
