MENIFEE – On February 24, 2026, the Menifee Union School District (MUSD) hosted its second annual State of the District event, bringing together over 160 educators, community leaders, and partners to celebrate a year of growth and achievement under the theme “Limitless Together”. Held in collaboration with the MUSD Education Foundation, the event highlighted the district’s status as the highest-performing TK-8 district in Riverside County, ranking fourth in Math and Science and fifth in English Language Arts. The morning served as a platform to reflect on the district’s dramatic decrease in chronic absenteeism—which dropped from 28% to 11% in just two years—and a rise in overall attendance to 95.5%.
Harlie Granger, an eighth-grade student at Hans Christensen Middle School and silver medalist with the U.S. tap team, shared her perspective on the power of collaboration. “When you work alone, you only have your own ideas,” said Granger. “But when you work together, you get different opinions, stronger ideas, and better solutions—even when you don’t all agree at first”.
Board President Kyle Root emphasized the collective effort required to maintain this trajectory of excellence. “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 stated. “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 connected the “Limitless Together” theme to the district’s overarching vision of engaging young minds. Inspired by the message of the musical Wicked, Dr. Root remarked, “I’m through accepting limits ’cause someone says they’re so”. She continued by thanking the community: “So thank you to all of you for helping us to be limitless for the children of Menifee”.
The event also underscored the vital role of the MUSD Education Foundation, which has raised $46,000 in corporate fundraising to support educator innovation grants. Foundation President Ailen Fickling highlighted the unity behind these efforts. “We are building a future where every student has access to the resources they need to thrive, every educator is supported in their mission, and our entire community is united and dedicated to education,” Fickling said. “When we come together, our impact is truly Limitless”.
Looking toward the future, the district discussed its continued expansion in one of California’s fastest-growing cities, including the upcoming construction of Menifee Elementary School and the transition of Hans Christensen Middle School into a TK-8 Design Learning academy. Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root concluded the event by thanking the staff and union partners for their dedication, noting that the district’s success is founded in a shared commitment to putting the best interests of children first.
