Board News, MUSD Board of Education

As another school year concludes, I wanted to share a few thoughts with our MUSD family.

When we first discussed the idea of Measure C I knew we had a big responsibility to our tax paying community. Through a thorough process we decided our first step was improving our school cafeteria at 29 Palms Jr. High. The overwhelming need to modernize and expand this cafeteria was set as a priority. We know that food is more than just sustenance — it’s a chance for students to socialize, connect with each other, and recharge during the school day. This new cafeteria, with its bright and inviting space and modern facilities is designed to provide just that.

The new construction was made possible thanks to the support of our community, including the successful bond we passed last year. With your help, we were able to secure the necessary funding to ensure that our students, faculty, and staff would have access to a dining experience that matches the excellence we strive for in all areas of education. We believe that this new cafeteria is more than just a place to eat — it’s a place where new friendships will be formed, where ideas will be exchanged, and where our school spirit will continue to grow.

End-of-Year Gratitude

I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to our faculty and staff, whose unwavering commitment to our students makes this district a place of excellence. To our students, thank you for your hard work, your creativity, and your curiosity. You are the reason we do all of this. And to our parents and guardians, your support and involvement in your children’s education is invaluable, and we could not do this without you.

Have a wonderful summer break.

Sincerely,

MUSD Board President

Christopher Claire

At a special meeting held on June 13, 2025, the Morongo Unified School District Board of Education voted to appoint Melissa Bond to fill the vacant trustee seat for Area 1.

Bond brings over 30 years of experience with MUSD, having dedicated her entire career to teaching K-3 students at Friendly Hills Elementary School. Her extensive knowledge of the District, combined with her lifelong commitment to education, make her a valuable addition to the Board of Education.

"I want to sincerely thank everyone for their support," said Bond. "I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to represent and give back to the Morongo Unified School District community."

Bond’s appointment follows the resignation of Trustee Karalee Hargrove, who stepped-down from the Board in May. Bond will serve through December 2026. At that time, the seat will be placed on the ballot for a two-year elected term.

During a work study session held before the regular agenda at the June 10 board meeting, Dr. Gracie Gutierrez, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education, presented the annual update on the Local Control and Accountability Plan. She outlined the District’s key achievements, ongoing challenges and priorities for the 2025-26 school year.

The LCAP is a vital document that California school districts develop each year to set clear goals aimed at improving student achievement and overall well-being. It acts as a roadmap for how districts allocate state funding—especially supplemental and concentration grants—to support all students, with particular attention to those facing additional challenges such as low-income families, English learners and foster youth. The plan defines specific objectives, details the programs and actions designed to meet those goals, and ensures transparency and accountability by clearly outlining how resources will be used to benefit the community.

Morongo Unified continues to serve a diverse student population, with 73 percent of students identified as low income, 3.7 percent as English learners and less than one percent as foster youth. For the 2025-26 school year, the District expects to receive $19.6 million in supplemental and concentration grant funding to support its LCAP initiatives.

Preliminary academic data show progress, including a rise in graduation rates from 76.5 percent to 81.8 percent, and an increase in college and career readiness from 26.6 percent to 34.5 percent. The District also reported modest gains in reading and math based on iReady assessments. Suspension rates and chronic absenteeism improved slightly as well. However, English learner proficiency declined slightly, highlighting an area that will remain a priority moving forward.

Thousands of students, parents, staff and community members contributed feedback through surveys and meetings. Their input emphasized the importance of academic support and interventions, safety and security, college, career and trade readiness programs, music, arts and extracurricular activities, as well as mental health and social-emotional services.

For the 2025-26 school year, the District will invest funding across six key areas. These include a projected $14.9 million for academic achievement and college and career readiness, $940,000 for safe and supportive learning environments, and $3.7 million for family and community partnerships. Additional targeted funding includes $995,000 for Oasis and Palm Vista Elementary Schools, $125,000 for graduation and college readiness at Black Rock High School, and $3.8 million for expanded intervention and support services districtwide.

This plan reflects a comprehensive approach to student success that combines academic excellence, social-emotional well-being and strong community partnerships.

The final LCAP will go before the Board for approval later this month. Once approved, it will be submitted to county.

The Morongo Unified School District Board of Education honored Laura Villa, cafeteria lead at Joshua Tree Elementary, for her outstanding service and leadership.

Laura is a veteran in the kitchen who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in state and federal regulations, ensuring that all cafeteria operations run smoothly and in full compliance. Her attention to detail helps maintain a clean, well-organized kitchen that consistently delivers nutritious meals to students.

Known for her sweet nature and kind demeanor, Laura is beloved by both students and staff. She consistently puts the needs of others first, fosters a positive and respectful work environment, and maintains strong relationships with her team. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her lasting impact on the Joshua Tree Elementary community make her a valued and respected member of the MUSD family.

At the recent Board meeting, some local parents expressed concerns about the possibility of school closures. At this time, there are no planned school closures in the Morongo Unified School District.

In April, the MUSD Board of Education began reviewing a comprehensive demographic study analyzing population and enrollment trends throughout the basin. The study provides detailed data on how shifting demographics could affect 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 significant population shifts in the region. Recognizing the need to adapt to these changes, the Board plans to continue this review process over the next two years, carefully evaluating all available data to make informed decisions that support the long-term functionality and sustainability of the District.

In the coming months, MUSD will engage consulting services to assist in this process. Families and staff can expect regular updates and multiple opportunities for input as the District moves forward with this important work.

At the meeting, former Board Member Karalee Hargrove was recognized and honored for her years of outstanding service, leadership and unwavering commitment to the Morongo Unified School District. Throughout her tenure on the Board of Education, Hargrove demonstrated a deep dedication to the students, staff and families of the district, consistently advocating for educational excellence and student success.

In May, Hargrove announced her decision to step down from the board citing personal reasons and expressing a heartfelt desire to return to her passion for teaching in the classroom. Her contributions have left a lasting impact and her colleagues expressed their gratitude for her tireless efforts in support of the District.

Recordings of MUSD Board meetings are available on our website!

The next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on June 24 at Joshua Tree Elementary School. Regular session will start at 6 p.m. Learn more about the Board at the link Below.