The official ribbon-cutting and opening of Menifee Union School District’s new Sally Buselt Elementary School brought more than 150 special guests including members of the Buselt family to honor the dedicated teacher Wednesday, July 31.
Three of Sally Buselt’s adult children spoke fondly in remembrance of their mother, who died tragically in a traffic accident 23 years ago. Buselt spent many years teaching in the growing school district bringing innovation and joy to many of her young students in school.
There to greet the large audience at 29810 Wickerd Road, Menifee, was the school’s newly appointed principal, Mrs. Stephanie Acosta and Dr. Jennifer Root, MUSD superintendent. Principal Acosta excitedly looked forward to the new school opening its doors to almost 400 Kindergarten through 5th grade students on Aug. 8. Some of those students along with their parents were in attendance as well as some of Sally Buselt’s grown up former students.
Also in attendance were members of the Menifee Union School District Board, MUSD Vice President Jacquelyn Johansen, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez, Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman and members of the Menifee City Council, Jandi Aguilar representing 3rd Dist. County Supervisor Chuck Washington, and many other dignitaries.
The grown children of Sally Buselt, Sarah Winant, Scott Winant and Andy Marshall-Buselt each proudly remembered their mother who spent most of her adult life teaching children how to become productive members of society. Two of her children, Sarah and Andy are teachers themselves, having learned of the rewarding occupation of teaching. They were extremely pleased about MUSD naming the school after their mother.
Dr. Root said the “school of today is the hope of our future students. We are laying the foundation for Perris students for the future.”
Dr. Gomez said he had the pleasure of visiting all the new schools in the county. “It’s always good to celebrate the opening of the schools, and I think it’s really a symbolic representation of the educators, and the community when they open (school) doors for students. They are sharing a message of hope and a vision for prosperity, and I think that is exactly what is happening here.” He said he learned that Sally Buselt “had a heart for students here at Menifee Union” which gave her the honor of being what a teacher should be.
Principal Acosta said it was a profound honor to be standing before the audience of the new Sally Buselt School. “This journey has been nothing but extraordinary, filled with inspiration to fill this place so every child can flourish.” She praised the late Sally Buselt as a “testament to the passion, creativity, and inclusivity of education. While honoring her legacy we also wanted to start a movement of our own.“ She said she has the most wonderful and dedicated staff that she has ever known speaking of the 17 teachers and custodial staff that will soon begin serving the first 400 students who will walk through the school’s doors. She said they all have a desire to “create a magical place for children.”
It was a special moment for the Sally Buselt children and their family as they gave a testimony of what their mother had taught them and the hundreds of children in the district.
Her youngest son, Andy Marshall-Buselt, now a special education teacher in the Oakland/Bay area said of his mother, “It is a tremendous honor to share this special day with you all.” He said he actually grew up in her classroom at Menifee Elementary School. He said his mother truly had the heart of a teacher in all she did…her colleagues remembered her as being especially creative and kind, a master of teaching and learning for all students. Her dedication was unwavering. “[She was] an innovator who pushed the limits of all that is possible and always the first to arrive and last to leave campus.”.
Andy Marshall said his mother at one time in the 90s created an evolutionary inclusive children’s program for that time. She brought, “acceptance, compassion, diversity and inclusion into the classrooms,” the younger Buselt said.
The construction of the $17.4 million school on 10 acres was built to suit the surrounding land and hills in the environment around it. Each classroom has large windows to look out over the campus. Sinks and other amenities for the comfort of the children accommodate every age, and new collaborative rooms with the latest of technical equipment are ready for the arrival of the students and in the near future, 3D printers. There are two specially designed classrooms for children with special needs and the necessary equipment needed even for those with disabilities.
The outdoor campus has adequate shading and for inclement weather. There are large erasable boards set up on the walls for children to draw their own creative pictures and show off class projects. Students had a special birthday program where they could participate in the school library. The auditorium is large and spacious with a performing stage and moveable seating. It is an outstanding elementary school for the district. Parents will be enjoying tours of the new school on its opening days.
Tony Ault can be reached at tault@reedermedia.com.
