Board News, MUSD Board of Education

The Board of Education met for their regular Board meeting on May 13 at Joshua Tree Elementary School. Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Sharon Flores provided a detailed update on the progress of Bond Measure C, highlighting important financial outcomes that benefit local taxpayers. Flores reported that the district has planned to sell $88 million in voter-approved bonds over three issuances spanning the next ten years. The bond rating assigned to the District came in with a grade Aa3 rating

The District recently completed its first bond issuance, totaling $32 million, which was successfully sold on April 3. The projected true interest cost was estimated at 4.364%, the actual cost at the time of the sale came in lower at 4.311%. This slight but impactful reduction translated into taxpayer savings of $436,837. The bond sale officially closed on April 17, and the proceeds have since been deposited into the county treasury.

The cost of issuance also came in as lower then expected, with an addition $56,400 in savings.

In another positive financial update, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Amy Woods announced that Oasis Elementary School has been awarded $1.4 million through the Community Schools Grant. This competitive grant, which the district applied for earlier this year, will be disbursed over the next five years.

The grant will support the implementation of the community school model at Oasis Elementary, enhancing services and supports for students and families. This includes expanded access to health and wellness resources, academic enrichment programs, and deeper family and community engagement—all designed to create a more holistic, supportive school environment.

At the May 13th meeting, the Board of Education proudly recognized the exceptional academic achievements of our Class of 2025 scholars. Please join us in congratulating the following students on their remarkable accomplishments:

• Amiel Escobal, Valedictorian, Twentynine Palms High School

• Vanessa Tran, Salutatorian, Twentynine Palms High School

• Jaden Cadwising, Valedictorian, Yucca Valley High School

• Zyn Audiene Ferrer, Salutatorian, Yucca Valley High School

These outstanding students have demonstrated remarkable dedication, perseverance and academic excellence throughout their high school careers. Their success reflects years of hard work, a deep commitment to learning and a strong drive to achieve.

This month, the Morongo Unified School District Board of Education began reviewing a comprehensive demographic study analyzing population and enrollment trends throughout the basin. The study provides detailed data on how changing demographics could impact student enrollment at individual school sites, particularly in the event of boundary adjustments or potential school closures.

School boundaries within MUSD have remained unchanged for over 20 years, despite notable shifts in population across the region. Recognizing the importance of adapting to these changes, the Board plans to continue this process over the next two years, carefully considering all available data before determining any necessary steps to support the long-term functionality and sustainability of the District.

In the coming months, MUSD will seek consulting services to support this process. Families and staff can expect ongoing updates and opportunities for engagement as the District moves forward with this important work.

We are proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of the following team members who have successfully completed the MUSD Aspiring Administrators course:

Megan Bankston, Carrie Cole, Scott Forman, Jamel Fraise, Darlene Gonzalez, Happy Kanuch, Tyler Long, Michelle Mecham, Thomas Pickett, Bonnie Rollins, Rudy Sehuame, Andrew Spear, Breanna Sullivan, Anna Stoeff and Thomas Curran.

Your dedication to professional growth and your passion for educational leadership inspire us all. We look forward to the positive impact you will continue to make in our schools and community. Congratulations on this important milestone in your leadership journey!

Board Member Karalee Hargrove, representing Trustee Area 1, has announced her resignation from the Morongo Unified School District Board of Education. Hargrove was elected to the Board this past fall, having previously served for eight years.

Although stepping down from her current role, Hargrove will remain active within the District. She plans to return to the classroom as a teacher during the 2025–26 school year.

“Thank you to the voters who supported me,” she said during the Board comments section of the May 13 meeting. “For personal reasons, I need to be with students. That’s where I make an impact.”

Details regarding the process to fill the Trustee Area 1 seat will be announced soon. In the meantime, the Morongo Unified School District extends its sincere gratitude to Trustee Hargrove for her years of dedicated service. Her unwavering commitment to education and to the students of this District has left a lasting impact.

Recordings of MUSD Board meetings are available on our website!