The Menifee Union School District Board of Education selected Dr. Jennifer Root as the new superintendent pending contract negotiations and final board approval on September 22. Her career spans 27 years as an elementary and middle school teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and assistant superintendent.
“As we navigated the superintendent search, Dr. Root repeatedly demonstrated that she was the right person to lead our great district forward,” noted Board President Jacquelyn Johansen. “She is a true scholar, with a strong working knowledge of our district. It is rare to find a Superintendent with such a rich background in both the teaching and operational side of schooling. Dr. Root’s appreciation for the work of all staff will serve MUSD well as we grow as an organization.”
As the current assistant superintendent of Business Services in Anaheim Union High School District, Root monitors a $400 million budget and oversees numerous departments including fiscal services, maintenance and operations, payroll, purchasing, transportation, food services, and facilities.
Root was the chief business officer and director of Student Services in Covina-Valley Unified School District prior to joining the Anaheim team. Prior to these roles, Root spent 11 years as an elementary principal serving students in both high performing and program improvement schools. While leading Hodges Elementary in Azusa Unified School District, Root implemented an award-winning dual immersion program that encompasses a preschool bi-literacy academy.
Earlier this year, Root received the prestigious Robert Gray Service Award from the Association of California School Administrators for her exceptional service and dedication to public education. In 2019, Root was named Business Services Administrator of the Year in Orange County. Throughout her career, Root has continuously sought further professional development, obtaining degrees and certification in organizational change and leadership, business management, school administration, language development, and psychology.
MUSD said Dr. Gary Rutherford will continue to serve through as interim superintendent through mid-October and will work closely with Root to ensure a seamless transition as the district’s new leader.
