August, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to the Menifee Union School District 2020 - 2021 School Year. 

Have you ever been on a river rafting trip? If the last year in California’s public schools were to be compared to that experience, I believe it would receive a Class 5 Rating: “Extremely Difficult, characterized by long and violent rapids, following each other without interruption, including big drops.” Sound familiar?  Indeed, we are exploring new waters in MUSD, navigating white water rapids to keep students safe, teach them well, and prepare them for a bright future. 

We will open the school year in a new format, starting out with Distance Learning + for all students.  As the year progresses there will be a fork in the river, with families choosing to continue to learn remotely, or take a course that leads back to traditional in-school instruction. 

Regardless of where your student will be learning, from home, in school, or in a combination of both, the Menifee Union School District is committed to maximize progress and growth for all our students.  We will do so with the support of parents, extended family members, and community partners who care deeply about the success of our students and our schools.  Our hardworking educators and support staff are investing their devotion, talents and expertise to make the very best of this challenging journey.  To learn more, visit the district website at www.menifeeusd.org under the “School Re-opening Info 2020/21” button.

As your interim Superintendent of Schools, it’s my opportunity to take over the rudder as the Governing Board completes its search to bring a permanent occupant to this office later this fall.  For those who participated in a community focus group or completed the on-line survey, thank you for helping to shape the Superintendent Leadership Profile. It will be used to guide the search, screening, and selection process.  For progress updates, select the “Superintendent Search” button on the district website.

While white water rafting trips can be turbulent and even terrifying, they can also be filled with moments of discovery, exhilaration, and great beauty around every bend.  And so, fellow paddlers, I look forward with hope and anticipation to a new school year as we prepare ourselves to embark on a thrilling new journey!

Gary Rutherford, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent