Menifee Educator Wins 2026 RivCo Certificated Administrator Of The Year

MENIFEE, CA — Melinda Conde was named Riverside County's 2026 Certified Administrator of the year, county education officials announced this week.

Conde was surprised with the honor during a meeting attended by colleagues, family members and school board officials. Speaking shortly after the announcement, she emphasized the importance of supporting educators as well as students.

“I want to do well for all of you, for the kids, and for our families,” Conde said. “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 career in public service spans multiple roles, including probation officer, eighth-grade math teacher, curriculum coach, assistant principal and principal. She currently leads the Menifee Union School District’s student success services, focusing on ensuring that district systems and staff understand the purpose behind policies designed to help students thrive.

Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez praised Conde for strengthening attendance systems and leadership practices across the district.

“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,” Gomez said.

Conde has systematized the work of community liaisons to better support foster youth and students experiencing homelessness, according to the Riverside County Office of Education. She has also expanded access to mental health services and strengthened school connectedness and student well-being. Her leadership contributed to a 10 percent reduction in chronic absenteeism and a 2 percent increase in average daily attendance through a comprehensive Attendance Re-Engagement Initiative, the office said.

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," according to a news release from the office.

Every year, Gomez, visits schools to name the seven Riverside County Educators of the Year, who are selected from more than 40,000 employees serving 430,000 students in more than 500 schools in the area.

The seven honorees will be recognized at the 2026 Celebrating Educators Luncheon set for May 6, at the Riverside Convention Center.