Menifee Schools Celebrate Academic Success, Future Expansion At State Of District

MENIFEE, CA — The Menifee Union School District highlighted academic success, improved attendance and future growth during its Feb. 24 2nd annual State of the District event, according to a recent news release.

More than 160 educators, community leaders and partners attended the event, themed “Limitless Together,” which was held in collaboration with the MUSD Education Foundation, they said. The gathering celebrated a year of growth while recognizing community partnerships supporting local schools, according to district leaders.

The district reported being the highest-performing TK-8 district in Riverside County, ranking fourth in math and science and fifth in English language arts. Officials also pointed to improved student attendance, with chronic absenteeism dropping from 28% to 11% over two years and overall attendance rising to 95.5%.

Board President Kyle Root said continued progress relies on collaboration throughout the district and community.

“Our district is not only growing in the number of students we serve but also in the quality of education we provide and the strength of our community,” Root said. “Together, we are creating a district that strives every day to be the very best for our students, our families, and our community.”

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root tied the event’s theme to the district’s focus on engaging young minds. Referencing the musical Wicked, she said, “I'm through accepting limits 'cause someone says they're so.”

“So thank you to all of you for helping us to be limitless for the children of Menifee,” she said.

Student speaker Harlie Granger, an eighth-grader at Hans Christensen Middle School and a silver medalist with the U.S. tap team, spoke about collaboration and teamwork.

“When you work alone, you only have your own ideas,” Granger said. “But when you work together, you get different opinions, stronger ideas, and better solutions—even when you don't all agree at first.”

District leaders also highlighted the role of the MUSD Education Foundation, which has raised $46,000 in corporate fundraising to support educator innovation grants. Looking ahead, the district discussed continued expansion in one of California’s fastest-growing cities, including the construction of Menifee Elementary School and plans to transition Hans Christensen Middle School into a TK-8 Design Learning academy.