Pictured, from left, are Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez, MUSD Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root, MUSD Trustee Kyle J. Root, Councilwoman Lesa Sobek, MUSD Trustee Morgan Singleton II, Councilman Ricky Estrada, Councilman Bob Karwin, MUSD Trustee Bob O’Donnell, MUSD Educator Craig Gruber, and Mayor Bill Zimmerman. Pictured at right is the Newport family horse saddle that will be displayed in the school’s trophy case. The Menifee Union School District on Wednesday held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest school, Kathryn Newport Middle School. Located in the Audie Murphy Ranch community, the new school will welcome more than 800 students in August.
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root welcomed guests, sharing, “We are here to celebrate the vision and work of our Governing Board and our community… moments like today instill a sense of hope for the future of our students, knowing that we are laying the foundation to prepare today’s students for their limitless futures.”
This was followed by celebratory remarks by MUSD Board President Morgan Singleton II. Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman shared with the crowd the history of Kathryn Newport, the school’s namesake, and the Newport family.
MUSD Educator Craig Gruber presented the school with a horse saddle that was owned by the Newport family. This was to pay tribute to Kathryn Newport, who was fond of horseback riding on the Newport Ranch. The saddle, along with original historic photos of the Newport family, will be displayed in the school’s trophy case.
Founding Principal Nick Stearns, a former principal at Santa Rosa Academy and Oak Meadows Elementary School, provided insight into KNMS’s staff, programs, and school culture, and shared how they have embraced the Mustang as a spirited mascot. The primary color for the school, purple, represents creativity, individuality, and ambition.
The campus is equipped with three classroom wings, a multi-purpose room, a media center and library, band room, gym, and outdoor spaces.
KNMS is the first school in the district to offer Career Technical Education programs. These programs include Health Science and Medical Technology, Media Arts and Entertainment, and Dance.
The ceremony concluded with tours of the new campus.
